Principal System Concepts Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 1, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 28, 2026. Draper scores B on the Alion truth index.
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 Systems Concepts Engineer (PMTS) is responsible for the elucidation of mission needs, mission engineering, architecture/design trade space exploration for integrated hardware/software systems, simulation-based performance analysis for complex systems and system-of-systems, architecture definition using digital engineering (DE) and/or model-based system engineering (MBSE) frameworks, briefing of results to leadership or government sponsors, and development of research and development (R&D) proposals.Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
- Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
- Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
- Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Reliably aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering
- Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and disciplines
- 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
- Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
- Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
- Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
- Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
- Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.
Education
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.
Experience
7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
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Job Location - City:
CambridgeJob Location - State:
MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $245,000.00Our 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].