Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Mar 2, 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:
Draper Mechanical Engineers develop novel solutions to customer driven problems including ruggedized miniature electro-mechanical systems, systems for harsh environments (e.g. high-g, high temperature, high vibration), dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems. The mechanical design team is responsible for the full cycle of mechanical design from concept exploration of multiple potential solutions through trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping and testing, and finally delivery. The Mechanical design engineers work to solve some of our nation’s most challenging problems.Draper’s Odon, Indiana facility is located in the Westgate@Crane Technology Park adjacent to Crane NSWC. This technology hub focuses on the development and production of critical microelectronics. The office is a short commute from Bloomington, IN, a vibrant community with excellent schools, parks, restaurants, outdoor activities, and home to Indiana University.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
- Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping, and testing with some guidance.
- Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
- Plan and execute complex electro-mechanical design from the ideation stage through hardware fabrication and testing, including trade study, concept down select, and detailed design phases
- Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them
- Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
- Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, 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.
- Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.
Education
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master's degree is preferred.
Experience
Requires 5-10 years in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.
Additional Job Description:
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficient with Computer Aided Design (CAD) for hardware and assemblies (Creo preferred.)
Familiar with:
Mechanical design of electronic enclosures, circuit boards, and microelectronic component packaging.
General modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and ANSYS.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications.
Clearance & Travel:
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Strong preference will be given to candidates holding an active Secret level clearance or higher or to those who have held an active clearance within the past 2 years.
Occasional travel to Draper’s main campus in Cambridge, MA, partner sites, suppliers, and test facilities is required, less than 15% expected.
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:
OdonJob Location - State:
IndianaJob Location - Postal Code:
47562The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$82,300.00 - $220,000.00Our 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].