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Principal Optomechanical Design Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
May 01, 2025

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 www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

Draper is seeking a highly experienced Principal Optomechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of high-reliability optomechanical systems for use in extreme environments, including high-G, vibration, and wide temperature ranges.

This role is focused on hands-on technical work, with a particular emphasis on strategic-grade hardware. You'll apply deep expertise in optomechanical design to develop creative solutions to complex problems, define system requirements, and support the full engineering lifecycle, from early concept through prototype build, testing, and delivery of fully released Technical Data Packages.

As a senior individual contributor, you'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to execute detailed tolerance analyses, evaluate design performance, and troubleshoot issues when they arise. Your ability to work independently, manage technical risks, and communicate clearly with engineering peers and stakeholders will be essential.

This is an opportunity to focus on impactful, technical challenges that push the boundaries of performance and reliability in critical applications.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
* Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
* Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
* Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
* Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
* Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
* Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
* Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
* Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
* Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
* 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.
* Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cyber security, able to plan, design, and execute large scale technical software and hardware solutions.
* Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
* Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
* Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
* Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent mathematical skills.
* Excellent mechanical skills.
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to prioritize tasks.
* Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience
10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Additional Job Description:

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

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

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.

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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