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Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Draper
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 30 Jun 2026
💰 $220,000/yr($82,300/yr$220,000/yr)

About 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 Machine Learning Engineer (SMTS) designs and implements machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science tools to projects spanning various domains. Works on exciting, diverse, cutting-edge R&D projects in a wide range of fields including data-intelligence, generative AI, predictive maintenance, bioinformatics, and more.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Designs and develops AI models to meet project requirements.
• Analyzes and improves AI model performance.
• Applies ML and deep learning technologies to give computers the capability to visualize, learn, and respond to complex situations.
• Collaborates across departments and with customers to define requirements and understand business problems.
• Seeks out opportunities to learn new technical skills.
• Reviews task-level requirements and assumptions and works to solve well-defined problems with guidance.
• May perform independent and team based research with guidance.
• Seeks assistance and resources for solving problems when needed.
• Delivers on commitments and clearly communicates any challenges.
• Actively learns about customer missions.
• Works to improve operations at the task / individual contributor level. Identifies areas for improvement and brings them to the attention of task or group leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ML/AI software development skills (Python, MATLAB, R, C++, JAVA) including software best practices like version control (git).
• Team player.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• AI/ML knowledge in their domain of expertise.
• Able to pick up new technical skills to support program needs.

Education
Bachelor's degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, electrical engineering, computational biology, physics, or related field is required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience
5-7 years machine learning or artificial intelligence or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description:

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

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

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Company

Draper

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