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 www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

As an Sr Optical Engineer in the Sensors and Imaging Systems Group, you will play a critical role in the development of Optical, Electro-Optic, and Atom-Optic systems.

You will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to develop, prototype, and test cutting-edge instrument and system designs. You will be heavily involved in building ground breaking technology and solving the world's most difficult problems. Additionally, you will be involved in sensor integration into position, timing, and navigation systems, including modeling, testing, and characterization of complete systems.

You will be expected to spend time in the lab, performing hands on tasks with development hardware, as well as helping to develop and update hardware and system models. Development hardware is often tested off site with customer oversight and you will be expected to support this type of test program. You must be willing to work collaboratively, across multidisciplinary teams, and be able to communicate complex ideas to non-technical audiences.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
• Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
• Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
• Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
• Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
• Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
• Provides recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
• Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develops and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent mechanical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience
5-10 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

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

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 www.draper.com/careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We understand the value of diversity 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, gender identity, 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 hr@draper.com.