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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Draper
IN - Odon - Crane, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Mar 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:

Draper Mechanical Engineers develop novel solutions to customer driven problems including ruggedized miniature electro-mechanical systems, systems for harsh environments (e.g. high-g, high temperature, high vibration), dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems. The mechanical design team is responsible for the full cycle of mechanical design from concept exploration of multiple potential solutions through trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping and testing, and finally delivery. The Mechanical design engineers work to solve some of our nation’s most challenging problems.



Draper’s Odon, Indiana facility is located in the Westgate@Crane Technology Park adjacent to Crane NSWC. This technology hub focuses on the development and production of critical microelectronics. The office is a short commute from Bloomington, IN, a vibrant community with excellent schools, parks, restaurants, outdoor activities, and home to Indiana University.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping, and testing with some guidance.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Plan and execute complex electro-mechanical design from the ideation stage through hardware fabrication and testing, including trade study, concept down select, and detailed design phases
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Team player able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Education
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience
Requires 5-10 years in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.

Additional Job Description:

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient with Computer Aided Design (CAD) for hardware and assemblies (Creo preferred.)

  • Familiar with:

  • Mechanical design of electronic enclosures, circuit boards, and microelectronic component packaging.

  • General modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and ANSYS.

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications.

Clearance & Travel:

  • Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Strong preference will be given to candidates holding an active Secret level clearance or higher or to those who have held an active clearance within the past 2 years.

  • Occasional travel to Draper’s main campus in Cambridge, MA, partner sites, suppliers, and test facilities is required, less than 15% expected.

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:

Odon

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Company

Draper

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