Principal Systems Engineer-Embedded Microsystems Architecture/Design
DraperAbout the role
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 Embedded Microsystems and Sensors Group at Draper is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and manage requirements, architecture, interface documentation, and system specifications for systems in mission domains such as: embedded secure communications, advanced electronics miniaturization, edge processing and computing, trustworthy secure platforms, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. This role will involve working across a multi-disciplinary team (including external and internal stakeholders) innovating new microelectronics system solutions over the full system development lifecycle. The group has multidisciplinary proficiencies in secure systems architecture, hardware security and resilience, software security and resilience, system validation and accreditation, sensor development and validation, and cryptography.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:
The following additional qualifications are highly desirable but not required:
- Experience in the development of System Security documentation per Government requirements
- Experience planning and leading Systems Engineering Technical Reviews
- Experience working with modern data bus / electrical interfaces for flight/space systems
- Experience in writing innovative R&D proposals to commercial and government sponsors
- An understanding of the fundamentals of cryptographic key management, public key infrastructure, and NSA’s Key Management Infrastructure, and the applications of cryptology
- Be familiar with the unique aspects of space avionics: environmental testing (MIL-STD-810), radiation hardening, and EMI/EMC considerations (MIL-STD-461).
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a 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 consider
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s