Principal Systems Architect

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profile Job Location:

Cambridge, MA - USA

profile Monthly Salary: $ 95000 - 237500
Posted on: 09-11-2025
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview:

Draper is an independent nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge MA. The 2000 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..

Specific responsibilities will include:
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 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 and 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

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
Bachelors 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:

  • Experience with methodologies for Trade space exploration and analysis of alternatives under uncertainty. Experience in data visualization and story boarding
  • 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 involvement 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

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

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you dont 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

$95000.00 - $237500.00

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 agreements 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 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 .


Required Experience:

Staff IC

Overview:Draper is an independent nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge MA. The 2000 employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engine...
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Key Skills

  • Kubernetes
  • S3
  • Google Cloud Platform
  • Cassandra
  • System Architecture
  • Redshift
  • AWS
  • Cloud Architecture
  • NoSQL
  • UML
  • Kafka
  • Distributed Systems

About Company

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As a nonprofit engineering innovation company, Draper solves demanding customer problems with innovative technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, program managers and administrative professionals drive the innovative solutions we deliver. Whether working at a ... View more

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