Job Title: Senior Navigation & Tracking Engineer
Posted by: Draper Laboratory on May 06, 2025
Location:
Cambridge , MAJob Description:
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:
The Senior Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Senior Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced Navigation and Tracking algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.
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.
• 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.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Autonomy and GNC algorithms and technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques.
• Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems.
• Significant knowledge of design and implementation of trajectory design/optimization algorithms including optimal control techniques.
• Strong project execution and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to clearly communicate work assignments to team members.
Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.
Experience
5-10 years of Software Engineering or related experience is 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 .
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 hr@draper.com .
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:
The Senior Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Senior Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced Navigation and Tracking algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.
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.
• 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.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Autonomy and GNC algorithms and technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques.
• Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems.
• Significant knowledge of design and implementation of trajectory design/optimization algorithms including optimal control techniques.
• Strong project execution and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to clearly communicate work assignments to team members.
Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.
Experience
5-10 years of Software Engineering or related experience is 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 .
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 hr@draper.com .
Pay Rate:
Unspecified
HR. Website URL:
https://draper.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Draper_Careers
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About Draper Laboratory
Draper is a not-for-profit research and development laboratory focused on the design, development, and deployment of advanced technological solutions for our nation’s most challenging and important problems in security, space exploration, healthcare, and energy. Our expertise includes the areas of guidance, navigation, and control systems; fault-tolerant computing; advanced algorithms and software solutions; modeling and simulation; and MEMS and multichip module technology.
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