Principal software engineer

Draper
Cambridge, MA

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:

The Software Engineer (PMTS) works on mission-oriented projects that span fielded systems for battlefield situational awareness to medical applications. Software Engineers work on multiple projects in an Agile environment, converting customer requirements into functional, scalable software solutions. As a part of the Software Engineering Team, developers will build out software solutions and see a project through from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Independently execute task assignments.
  • Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques, adheres to software best practices.
  • Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
  • Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
  • 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.
  • 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 their discipline.
  • Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
  • Leads the design of system architecture, delegating tasks and collecting feedback on designs as needed.
  • Lead a medium size team of engineers across multiple disciplines.

Skills/Abilities

  • Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Demonstrate an ability to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
  • A team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals

Education
Requires a bachelor's in Computer Science or other related field. Master's degree is preferred.



Experience
10+ years experience in Software Engineering or related field.


Additional Job Description:

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

Secret Clearance is preferred.

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

$95,000.00 - $237,500.00

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].

Posted 2026-01-08

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