Principal Communications Engineer

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:

A Principal Communications Engineer designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacturing of electrical printed circuit boards (PCBs), analog and digital circuits, electronic equipment, sensors, motors, radar and navigation systems. The engineer develops the architecture, designs circuits, performs simulations, performs physical layout, verifies and tests designs. Performs a variety of engineering activities throughout the life-cycle to support: planning, design, test, deployment, and sustainment.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Design RF systems and networks, including cabling, switches, routers, and access points, and troubleshoot and test network components.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain Internet Protocol (IP)-based network technologies and applications.
• Design, debug, and test network management software and operating systems.
• Design, develop, and implement network security and device management systems and applications.
• Design, develop, and implement network storage and backup systems.
• Design, develop, and implement network monitoring and fault tolerance systems.
• Manage complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Develop and maintain expertise in telecommunications technology and network architectures.
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems
• 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
• Subject Matter Expert (SME), and able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex RF systems
• Assemble and deliver customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Ability to lead team of multidisciplinary engineers

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Knowledge of at least one area:
- RF systems and architectures
- RF active and passive circuits and components (LNAs, filters, mixers, etc.)
- Fundamental of electrical engineering (noise, linearity, stability, etc.)
- Knowledge of electromagnetic concepts
- DSP algorithms design and implementation
- Knowledge of digital communications theory and systems
• Skills with at least one set of tools:
- RF software tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, or similar.)
- MATLAB or Python
- Software Design Radios tools
• Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement (VNA, etc.).
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Education
Requires bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. Masters degree preferred.

Experience
Requires 7-10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

As a principal engineer you will be the lead architect for developing new waveforms and receive algorithms for RF signature detection, communication systems, electronic attack and protection systems, all geared toward both prototype and the full life cycle of fielded products.

A typical assignment might begin w