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Draper Labs

Senior Navigation System Engineer

Draper Labs, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140

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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 The Strategic Weapon Systems division at Draper is seeking a Navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS) System Engineer to work within multidisciplinary teams to conceptualize and prototype advanced guidance technologies to enable new system capabilities that are of strategic importance to the nation. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to develop expertise in a broad array of both hardware and software GNC GPS technologies while remaining focused on delivering mission‑level capability solutions to the warfighter. Relevant mission domains may include global strike and/or strategic deterrent systems, hypersonics, missile defense systems, space systems, precision‑guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles.

Duties and Responsibilities

GPS test data and performance analysis

Conceptualization of GPS hardware designs

Analysis of designs to demonstrate performance and functionality of GPS hardware

Identification of customer mission needs and development of use cases

Analysis of mission use cases to derive subsystem requirements

Conceptualization of novel GNC GPS hardware, software, and system solutions

Requirements development for simulation‑based performance analysis

Development and execution of tests to check compliance with requirements

Development of research proposals and plans

Development of test strategies and plans for prototype technology

A successful candidate will be highly motivated to: (a) support the delivery of technology solutions that are of strategic importance to the nation in the context of evolving threats from peer and near‑peer competitors, and (b) build deeper expertise in both the core mission domain and underlying GPS technology.

Working in a dynamic team environment developing state‑of‑the‑art weapon/GN&C systems will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies as well as afford opportunities for increased leadership and impact on the development of new war‑fighter capability.

Job Description Duties / Responsibilities

Performs analysis approaches for a particular problem and independently execute assignments

Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments; concept and architecture design, integration, testing and operation

Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to task planning and test development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead small teams (fewer than five people). Seeks to align team towards program goals and builds trust within the team

Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges

Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them

Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback

Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners

Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions

Skills / Abilities

Excellent mathematical skills

Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures

Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Excellent time‑management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines

Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains, with ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains

Identify and develop relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi‑domain qualitative models

Ability to present results that support system‑level analysis, performance trade‑offs, and decision‑making; communication and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role

The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines

Flexibility to multi‑task and adapt to evolving priorities

Education Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 5-7 years experience in systems analysis or related

Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink

Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools

Additional Job Description Applicants must have the following key qualifications

Foundational knowledge of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) and GPS technology

Thesis or dissertation research relevant to enabling GNC or strategic missions

Demonstrated ability to formulate a technical approach and write proposals

Practical experience with simulation‑based performance analysis

Strong presentation skills and the ability to articulate complex technical ideas

Any of the following additional qualifications are highly desirable

7+ years of professional experience in development of defense/space systems

Deep expertise with respect to either/both GPS hardware or software technology

Domain experience with respect to strategic weapon systems, as defined above

Experience with multi‑objective optimization techniques

Knowledge of modern software development lifecycles, standards, processes, and tools

Technical leadership experience

Strong MATLAB, C/C++ skills

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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 – $205,750.00 .

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 at

www.draper.com/careers .

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 hr@draper.com.

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