Junior Software Application 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:

The Software Engineer 1 works on mission-oriented projects that span from self-driving cars and unmanned vehicles to medical applications and fielded systems for battlefield situational awareness. Software Engineers work on multiple projects in an Agile environment, converting customer requirements into functional, scalable software solutions. As a part of the Software Engineering Team, developers will build out software solutions and see a project through from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Independently execute task assignments under the oversight of program leadership and/or senior staff.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques, adheres to software best practices.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Identify challenges and risks associated with assigned tasks and communicate them to project leadership.

Skills/Abilities
• Willingness to learn and grow skillset.
• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate an ability to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• A team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Advocate for users.

Education
Requires a bachelor's in Computer Science or other related field. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience
0-3 years experience in Software Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description:

The Data Retrieval, Engineering, Architecture, and Management (DREAM) group at Draper is seeking a Software Application Engineer to develop next generation Digital Engineering capabilities for domains such as: strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, space systems, precision guided munitions, autonomous vehicles, and biotechnology systems. This group architects and builds processes to enable Data-as-a-Service for the suppliers and consumers of data within the Digital Engineering Ecosystem, while ensuring quality, protection, and availability of data. We specialize in data definition, storage, retrieval, and related data pipeline development using modern, scalable, and secure capabilities to support needs across the entire system lifecycle. Our multi-disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle – from trade space analysis, concept and architecture design, software development, system integration and test, through operation.
 

The ideal candidate will have interests and skills in software architecture and design, software development, database technologies, artificial intelligence / machine learning technologies, and model-based engineering applications such as digital thread and digital twin. The individual will be expected to work effectively both independently and with cross-functional teams. Communications and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role. Effective technical communication (both written and oral) with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is expected.  Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities will be required. We value continuous learning and professional growth. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in 2+ programming languages such as Python, Kotlin, Java, MATLAB®, C/C++
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with data visualization
• Familiarity with relational, graph, or N