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Salary
$82k – $220k per year
Location
In office (Cambridge)
Seniority
Senior · 5+ years exp
Employment
Full-Time

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 24, 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 Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Senior Space Systems Design Engineer to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies for a new space based application. For this role, we are seeking candidates with broad multidisciplinary interests in Tradespace Exploration, Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization, Model-based Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Software development and Integration, and Advanced Algorithms.

Desired Skills & Abilities:

  • Experience one or more tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, MagicDraw
  • Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools is a plus.
  • Experience with methodologies for analysis of alternatives under uncertainty
  • Familiarity with space missions operating in LEO, MEO, GEO
  • Familiarity with GNC concepts and space sensors
  • Knowledge and interest in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Trade Space Exploration (TSE), Machine Learning and Data Engineering
  • Experience in data visualization and story boarding
  • Experience with SysML and implementing tools such as MagicDraw

Preferred Characteristics:

Ability to support on-site consistently is required.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Performs analysis approaches for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
  • Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments; concept and architecture design, integration, testing and operation.
  • Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to task planning and test development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small teams (fewer than five people). Seeks to align team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
  • Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges.
  • Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
  • Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
  • Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners.
  • Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions.

Skills/Abilities

  • Excellent mathematical skills.
  • Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
  • Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains, with ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains.
  • Identify and develop relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi-domain qualitative models.
  • Ability to present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and decision-making is critical, thus communications and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role.
  • The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines.
  • Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

  • Requires 5-7 years experience in systems analysis or related.
  • Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.

Additional Job Description:

The candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will have the ability to become knowledgeable in various problem domains, identify relevant modeling and analysis techniques, develop or integrate multi-domain models of required fidelity, present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and decision-making. The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must.

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

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

$82,300.00 - $220,000.00

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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