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Draper

Principal System Security Engineer

Salary$95k – $238k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience5–10 yrs
DepartmentEngineering
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedFeb 3, 2026 · 8mo ago
Verified live2h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have14
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
10+ years' experience of working on System Security Engineer or other relevant position (with Bachelor's)
5-10 years' experience of working on System Security Engineer or other relevant position (with Master's)
Proficiency in full life-cycle systems engineering of security technologies within cyber-physical systems
Experience in design and implementation of secured systems based on requirements, design analysis, and external vectors
Familiarity with processes and technologies for identification of critical program information and development of program protection plans
Experience in development of System Security documentation per Government requirements
Familiarity with developing and implementing Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
Understanding of supply chain operations, risk management framework, information assurance, technology protection
Familiarity with processes and technologies for cross-domain products, including secured firmware solutions and microelectronics
Understanding of fundamentals of cryptographic key management, public key infrastructure, and NSA's Key Management Infrastructure
Experience in writing innovative R&D proposals to commercial and government sponsors
Familiarity with DOORS, MATLAB, and/or Python
Current in-scope Secret security clearance required
Nice to have2
Master's degree preferred
Top Secret clearance preferred
Eligibility1
Must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
DOORS
MATLAB
Python
Benefits
Workplace flexibility
Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
The Secure Solutions Group within the System’s Engineering Directorate is seeking a Principal System Security Engineer to support engineering, integrating, and deploying trustworthy secure platforms that resist cyber, reverse engineering, and supply chain threats. The group has multidisciplinary proficiencies in secure systems architecture, hardware security and resilience, software security and resilience, system validation and accreditation, and cryptography.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include the following:
• Work with cross disciplinary team of system, hardware, and software engineers to support program execution.
• Communicate with program members, program offices, and sponsors to present work to the technical and evaluation community.
• Bring a systems engineering prospective to support development system architectures for secure solutions.
• Support analysis of Draper, customer, and sponsor developed systems to evaluate effectiveness and suitability.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Manage and control priorities, scope, schedule, and cost to baselines by proactively monitoring program/task performance across larger activities.
• Independently derive system-level requirements based on mission requirements and defines plan and approach to solve complex problems.
• Supports helping customers shape problems and needs.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to develop and implement security approaches through a program lifecycle.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers. Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
Skills/Abilities
• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, industry and customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members. program leadership, and non-technical personnel
• Team player able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
Education
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
• Bachelor’s degree requires 10+ years’ experience of working on System Security Engineer or other relevant position.
• Master’s degree requires 5-10 years’ experience of working on System Security Engineer or other relevant position.
Additional Job Description:
Additional Qualifications:
•
Proficiency in full life-cycle systems engineering (architecture, design, development, integration, approval, and deployment) of security technologies and components within cyber-physical systems and systems-of-systems
•
Experience in the design and implementation of secured systems based on system requirements, design analysis, and consideration of external vectors
•
Familiarity with processes and technologies for identification of critical program information and development of the associated program protection plans
•
Experience in the development of System Security documentation per Government requirements
•
Familiarity with developing and implementing Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
•
Understanding of supply chain operations, risk management framework, information assurance, technology protection
•
Familiarity with the processes and technologies for cross-domain products, including secured firmware solutions and microelectronics
•
An understanding of the fundamentals of cryptographic key management, public key infrastructure, and NSA’s Key Management Infrastructure, and the applications of cryptology
•
Experience in writing innovative R&D proposals to commercial and government sponsors
•
Familiarity with DOORS, MATLAB, and/or Python
•
Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and program needs
Security Requirements:
•
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
•
Current in-scope Secret security clearance required, Top Secret preferred.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don’t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Cambridge
Job Location - State:
Massachusetts
Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $237,500.00
Legal
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Benefits
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].
More roles at Draper
NPI Manufacturing EngineerProduction Support CoordinatorDirector 3 – Senior Director of Systems EngineeringCorporate and Community Engagement Intern (Summer 2027)Program Security Manager
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