Principal Systems Engineer-Space and Mission Critical Systems

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

Job Description Summary

The Space and Mission Critical Systems group at Draper is seeking a motivated Principal Systems Engineer to perform key systems engineering tasks in a model-based environment, using formal development and verification processes in support of Draper’s National Security and Space business areas. Leveraging Draper’s expertise in a variety of fields – including GNC, Spacecraft Systems, fault tolerant computing, SBC development, and autonomous vehicles – the candidate will support the group’s mission in developing early-stage concepts all the way through to verified, fully-functional, deployed solutions. This position will involve the following:

• Developing systems concepts, requirements, and architectures
• Highly robust system engineering practices for mission critical systems
• Development of radiation tolerant systems
• Predicting and analyzing mission performance and reliability
• Use of Model Based Systems Engineering Tools

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with system-of-systems spacecraft architectures
• Experience decomposing enterprise architectures down to individual subsystems
• Active Secret security clearance, Top Secret with SCI eligibility strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills, especially in preparing and delivering presentations to customers, management, and technical personnel

Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities

• 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
• Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Reliably aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and disciplines
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• Masters degree or higher preferred.

Experience

7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification or degree in Systems Engineering
• Experience with DOORS requirements management tool
• Experience with Matlab and Simulink
• Certification in MBSE and/or SysML
• Experience with MagicDraw / Cameo MBSE tools

Security Requirement

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a United States government security clearance and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Current in-scope Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility is highly desired.

Job Location - City: Cambridge

Job Location - State: Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $82,300.00 - $245,000.00 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. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. 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. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact

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