Principal Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfX) Engineer

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:

Join Draper’s multidisciplinary engineering team as a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFX) Engineer, where your expertise in device packaging techniques for conventional over-molded electronic parts, multi-chip modules, open / closed MEMs devices and sealed ceramic packages will directly contribute to the success of mission-critical systems in aerospace, defense, and beyond.

In this role, you’ll work closely with layout and design engineers, supply chain, and internal manufacturing teams to apply DFM/DFA best practices early in the product development cycle, ensuring a smooth transition from design to production. You’ll review packaging layouts and designs for manufacturability, lead design reviews, and deliver actionable feedback that drives product integrity and performance.

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll engage with internal service centers and external contract manufacturers to resolve assembly, and workmanship challenges. You’ll also collaborate with Mission Assurance to support quality investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

We’re looking for an engineer with hands-on experience in microelectronics packaging for high-reliability or aerospace applications, someone who understands the nuances of material selection, MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38534 and MIL-PRF-38535. Familiarity with AS9100 environments and a passion for cross-functional problem-solving are key to success in this role.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• 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.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Product Engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• 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.

Skills/Abilities
• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Education
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.

Experience
10-15 years experience in Product Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

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

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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 .

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 [email protected].