Senior Flight Software 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:

Draper is seeking a senior embedded‑software professional to lead the development of high‑performance, fault‑tolerant flight software for resource‑constrained platforms across air, space, undersea and hypersonic domains. The Senior Engineer will own the end‑to‑end software lifecycle—from requirements analysis and algorithm design through implementation, verification and documentation—while applying a “security‑by‑design” mindset. In addition to classic embedded duties, the role will incorporate lightweight DevSecOps practices such as automated builds, continuous integration testing, static code analysis, and basic security hardening to ensure that every release meets Draper’s rigorous safety and security standards. The ideal candidate brings 5‑10 years of real‑time C/C++ (or Rust) development for aerospace‑grade hardware, strong analytical/problem‑solving skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers and collaborate closely with hardware, systems and cyber‑security teams. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms with supervision.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.
• Ability to take responsibility for subset of engineering scope.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques٫ IP protocols٫ interfaces and hardware subsystems.
• Expertise in software development for real-time systems.
• Mastery of high level development languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools٫ defect tracking tools٫ and peer review processes.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Experience with UML/SysML.
• Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.

Education
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience
Requires 5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

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

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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

$82,300.00 - $220,000.00

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].