Senior Optical Engineer

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

The Optical Engineer (SMTS) designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with hardware and software design teams to determine the qualification and manufacturability of new technologies.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

City:
Cambridge
State:
Massachusetts
Postal Code:

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 - $.

Our salary ranges are determined by role,…