Principal Space & Strategic Navigation Engineer

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.

The Principal Autonomy, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Guidance and Control (G&C) Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced G&C algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space. The group supports the full development arc of flight programs, including covariance analysis, high-fidelity sensor modeling, navigation filter prototyping, Monte Carlo analysis, flight software development, integration/testing, flight test support, and post-flight analysis. The candidate should have demonstrated achievements in one or more of these areas and a willingness to build expertise in the others.

A key component of this group’s mission is to maintain and drive forward Draper’s core capability in space and strategic navigation, a capability that stretches back to MIT’s Instrumentation Lab, which pioneered the field of missile guidance systems in the 1950s and 1960s. That mission underlies our commitment to hire talented engineers, invest in their technical knowledge and leadership skills, and provide them opportunities to make high-impact contributions on programs of critical national importance.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyses designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problematic areas.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Guidance & Control Subject Matter Expert, deep understanding of domain and customer mission areas.
• Leads with humility and respect, and diverse perspectives to foster an inclusive environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals.
• Excellent technical judgment, strong written and oral communication skills, and a practical, common-sense approach to getting things done.
• Knowledge of modern software development lifecycles, standards, processes, and tools.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

• 10-15 years of relevant Engineering experience is required.

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

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. 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.