Principal Product Development Systems Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Feb 04, 2026
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: The Transition to Production and Deployment group at Draper is seeking a Product Development Systems Engineer to work within multidisciplinary teams to develop and provide product based full system lifecycle development and management of complex electrical, mechanical and software-based systems in mission domains such as: strategic defense systems, hypersonic and space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. * A Product Systems Engineer will lead the Systems Engineering efforts across the system lifecycle. Starting at the System Level, a product engineer will follow the decomposition and design of the system throughout development, sell off and deployment. * Apply strong systems engineering principles to product development process for Product Deployment including; concept, requirements management, design, simulation, Integration & Test and data package development, review and release. * Key job elements include the ability to engage with customers, cross functional teams and external partners to develop and manage requirements and interface designs for; highly accurate strategic sensors, inertial navigation systems, fault tolerant computing, enhanced ground testing, integration and test environments, engineering qualification, factory acceptance test and deploy system surveillance and upgrades. 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: Required Skills & Abilities Requirements Development, Implementation and Management Requirement Solicitation including Stakeholder Needs, Measures of Performance, and Use Case Analysis Experience with INCOSE Requirement Standards Requirements Analysis (Traceability, Decomposition, Architecture) Interface Development and Management Familiarity with interface standards and interface coordination documentation: e.g. OSI Framework, DoDAF, SysML, Deterministic Commination Interface Coordination documentation, Development Management of Interface Signal and Message database or interface products Requirements and Design Compliance Requirements Verification Traceability, System/Product Compliance Plans and Reporting System Verification Development, Management and Execution DOORS Classic/DOORS Next Gen - Proficiency with DOORS Classic and experience with DXL is a plus Desired Skills & Abilities: System Architecture - Use Cases, Functional Decomposition, Interfaces, State Machines, Sequence Diagrams Cameo Magic Draw, Data Hub Strong ability to review and navigate SysML products and fundamental abilities to perform architecture and requirement analysis SysML Architecture & Design is a plus Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. An active Secret Clearance is REQUIRED. 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 $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. 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.