Senior Solid-State Sensor 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

As a Senior Solid-State Sensor Engineer in the instruments group, you will play a critical role in the development of inertial instruments for cutting-edge guidance applications. You will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to build next-generation gyroscope, accelerometer and guidance-aiding sensor prototypes, characterize their performance, develop production roll-out and ultimately deliver production hardened sensors meeting some of the world’s most stringent requirements.

You Might Be Excited About This Role If

You're someone who enjoys working at the intersection of physics and real-world application, when it comes to designing high-precision sensor systems. You're looking for a role where you can build, prototype, and bring complex systems to life alongside other experts.

• Enjoy designing and developing high-precision sensors or systems
• Have experience (or strong interest) in MEMS, solid-state physics, or control systems
• Like owning or contributing to system architecture and instrument development
• Thrive in hands-on environments—prototyping, testing, iterating
• Want to collaborate with SMEs to solve complex, real-world problems

Duties/Responsibilities

• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction to design and develop precision instruments.
• Actively mentor less experienced Hardware Instrument engineers.
• Designs experiments, and experimental precision instruments to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
• Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
• Collaborates with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Develops initial processes for the fabrication of custom designed instruments.
• Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval.
• Provides training related to devices to employees, sub-contractors and/or customers.
• Performs independent research when needed for solving problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
• Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Education

Requires a bachelors degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 5-10 years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description

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

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 $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.