The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory

Principal Systems Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field; master's preferred.
  • 7-10+ years of systems engineering experience or related role.
  • Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.
  • Proficiency in SysML and modeling/simulation tools.

Responsibilities

  • Independently resolve complex engineering problems and shape unclear client requirements.
  • Lead and align medium-sized teams towards achieving program goals, fostering trust and collaboration.
  • Evaluate systems for technical risks and create mitigation plans as needed.
  • Document and advocate for best practices to mentor less experienced engineers.
  • Provide design insights based on analytical outcomes across varied technical disciplines.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
  • Access to health and financial wellness workshops.
  • Engagement in employee clubs and social events.
  • Discounts at local museums and cultural activities.
Full Job Description

Job Description Summary:

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain solutions for domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Our multi-disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle in areas of importance for national security.

Draper has adopted an integrated, model-driven digital mindset in solving Systems Engineering problems spanning the entire lifecycle. From early-lifecycle conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model-driven customer reviews, verification and validation, integration and testing, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper has a suite of Model Based Systems Engineering solution needs across our projects. Our thinking spans the entire gamut, from “as-designed” to “as-deployed” lifecycle phases in supporting uncompromised delivery of solutions.

For this role, the ideal candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will support the development of requirements, systems concepts, interface concepts along with digital capabilities like digital twins and digital threads.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be able to maintain a consistent on-site presence.

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.

Additional Job Description:

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge and experience in GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies preferred
  • Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), and/or other engineering analysis methods
  • Expert-level proficiency in SysML
  • OMG SysML Certification

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

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$95,000.00 - $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. 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 and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

About The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory

Draper Laboratory is an American non-profit research and development organization, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts; its official name is The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. The laboratory specializes in the design, development, and deployment of advanced technology solutions to problems in national security, space exploration, health care and energy. The laboratory was founded in 1932 by Charles Stark Draper at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop aeronautical instrumentation, and came to be called the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. During this period the laboratory is best known for developing the Apollo Guidance Computer, the first silicon integrated circuit based computer. It was renamed for its founder in 1970, and separated from MIT in 1973 to become an independent, non-profit organization. The expertise of the laboratory staff includes the areas of guidance, navigation, and control technologies and systems; fault-tolerant computing; advanced algorithms and software systems; modeling and simulation; and microelectromechanical systems and multichip module technology.
Learn more about The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory

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