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Salary
$75k – $156k per year
Location
Hybrid (Cambridge, United States)
Seniority
Middle · 3+ years exp
Employment
Full-Time

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 22, 2026. Draper scores B on the Alion truth index.

Overview
Company
Impact
Profile match
Draper is an American non-profit research and development laboratory founded in 1932 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and made independent in 1973. It designs guidance, navigation and control systems, and its predecessor built the Apollo guidance computer that landed astronauts on the Moon, work that shaped the whole field of inertial navigation. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it works for defence, intelligence, space and biomedical customers, and its non-profit status lets it act as a trusted independent adviser on programmes where a contractor with products to sell would face a conflict.

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 Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced Navigation and Tracking algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
  • Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
  • Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
  • Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
  • Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
  • Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
  • Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
  • Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
  • Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
  • Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
  • Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
  • Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
  • Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
  • Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities
  • Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
  • Proficient in basic software development standards.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
  • Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
  • Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
  • Strong background in control systems theory.
  • Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
  • Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
  • Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
  • Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
  • Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
  • Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost. Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
  • Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred. Experience 3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is 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

$75,000.00 - $156,000.00

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.

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].

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