Principal Systems Architect

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 Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems‑thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions to complex system‑ and enterprise‑level problems. The Division works across multiple domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Draper has adopted an integrated, model‑based, and data‑driven mindset in solving complex engineering problems spanning the entire product lifecycle. From early‑lifecycle problem definition and requirement management, conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model‑driven customer reviews, integration and testing, verification and validation, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper applies a suite of digital engineering solutions to meet the needs of our projects. For this role, we are seeking candidates with broad multidisciplinary interests in multi‑disciplinary analysis and optimization, model‑based engineering, modeling and simulation, software development and integration, and advanced algorithms. The ability to communicate complex and abstract technical ideas to a broad profile of stakeholders is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work with senior leaders across Draper to analyze and capture customer and stakeholder needs, understand and evaluate relevant technology options, and apply advanced decision‑making strategies to develop innovative system solutions.
• Maintain strong external presence in the digital engineering world as a thought leader and innovative thinker, understand external trends, and map them back to Draper needs and new business development.
• Conceptualize and lead the development of the appropriate solution for each project depending on the lifecycle needs, with a “Product Owner” hat.
• Bridge the knowledge gaps across Draper. Build and promote cross‑functional teams to meet customer and internal needs.
• Lead complex assignments with minimal management direction and evolving task priorities.
• Mentor technical staff and development teams to successfully work to deadlines, often while successfully managing to multiple competing priorities.
• 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. Identify risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium‑size teams (5–10 people). Reliably align team towards program goals and build trust within the team.
• Subject‑matter expert (SME) in systems engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and 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 mentor; recognize strengths and weaknesses in others and provide thoughtful constructive feedback.
• Perform 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.
• 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, communications/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies as required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Experience

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

Additional Job Description

• Experience with methodologies for trade‑space exploration and analysis of alternatives under uncertainty. Experience in data visualization and storyboarding.
• Solid understanding of data‑driven algorithmic disciplines such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, numerical optimization, statistical and probabilistic modeling, etc. for systems with underlying physics and sparse multidimensional data. A passion to build quick‑turn‑around prototypes, demonstrate proof‑of‑concept, and drive to productization.
• Prior experience in technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and management.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other leading national experts in science and technology from academia, national laboratories, and industry who may have ongoing competing priorities and viewpoints.
• Ability to create and present senior‑level communications for internal and external customers.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in leading or involving in organizational transformations.
• Expertise with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, Department of Defense Acquisition Framework, or other government or industry systems engineering standards.
• Experience modeling DoD weapons, navigation, or communications systems.
• Experience with new business development, generating white papers and new proposal content.

Security Clearance

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary

US base salary range for this full‑time position: $95,000.00 – $245,000.00. 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.

Benefits

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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.