Principal Systems Analysis 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.

Job Description Summary

A Systems Analysis Engineer develops and applies advanced modeling, simulation, and mission analysis methods to assess complex systems, operational concepts, and mission scenarios in support of critical national security challenges. This role works across interdisciplinary teams to evaluate system performance, mission effectiveness, technical risk, and operational trade spaces across domains including strategic deterrence, missile defense, hypersonics, space, precision strike, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities span the full system development lifecycle, from concept exploration, architecture development, and trade studies through integration, test and evaluation, and operational implementation.

This role has a strong emphasis on threat-informed analysis, mission-level modeling, and evidence-based recommendations that inform technology maturation, system design, and strategic investment decisions.

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.
• 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
• Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners.
• Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions.
• Identify and develop relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi-domain qualitative models.
• Present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and real-time decision-making.
• Communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains.
• Multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Requires 7-10 years experience in systems analysis or related.
• Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.

Additional Job Description

• Experience applying modeling, simulation, and mission analysis techniques to complex defense, aerospace, or national security problem sets, with the ability to translate technical outputs into mission-relevant insights.
• Proficiency in one or more programming or analytical languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Java, etc., including experience developing scripts, analytic workflows, or simulation tools.
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, and computational environments, including tools such as MATLAB toolboxes, or other scientific computing frameworks.
• Familiarity with mission-level modeling and simulation environments, digital engineering tools, or campaign analysis frameworks (e.g., AFSIM, STK, Simulink, MBSE environments, or equivalent).
• Experience working with large, multi-source datasets, APIs, databases, or sensor-derived data to support operational assessments, algorithm development, or performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to support trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and what-if assessments to inform technical and programmatic decisions.
• Experience communicating technical findings through briefings, white papers, technical reports, and sponsor-facing presentations to both technical and customer audiences.
• Familiarity with DoW mission environments, strategic deterrence, guidance and control, threat-informed analysis, or weapons system performance assessment is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering, analysis, and mission-focused teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. 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.