Principal System Quality 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.

Job Description Summary

As a Principal System Quality Engineer, you will ensure that products meet the highest quality standards. You will be responsible for investigating and resolving issues, reviewing SOW, RFP, design plans, process procedures, test procedures, and manuals to understand the scope, requirements, and function of products.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and support to customers, suppliers, and employees in resolving issues.
• Assist in the improvement of manufacturing, process, and product efficiency to reduce nonconforming products.
• Ensure products meet the organization’s and customers’ quality and product integrity requirements.
• Support product development or operations team by providing analysis and expertise throughout the inspection process.
• Lead a cross‑functional team in determining root cause of failures and identify when failure analysis is necessary, providing recommendations for corrective measures.
• Analyze data to identify trends in product quality or defects, with the goal of mitigating and preventing recurrence and future defects.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in quality standards and principles, knowledgeable and experienced in multiple technical disciplines.
• Assess customer needs and evaluate solutions to complex problems independently.
• Lead quality teams, providing technical oversight and mentoring less experienced engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Work on cross‑functional teams.
• Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 quality standards.
• Expert knowledge and skills in process integration.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate clearly.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Education

Requires a bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline.

Experience

Requires 7‑10 years of experience in quality engineering or another engineering role.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $237,500.00. This range 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.

Benefits & Culture

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

EEO Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.