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:

Draper's Electro-Acoustic Sensors and Systems group specializes in developing technology at the intersection of electrical engineering and acoustics.

As an Electro-Acoustic Development Engineer, your role will span the research and development of sensors and sensor systems, from architecture through design and delivery. You will directly contribute to and/or oversee a diverse set of tasks including electronics design, transducer modeling and control, signal processing, embedded firmware development, laboratory and field experimentation, and the conception of deliverable systems. You will also contribute to the development of presentations, proposals and whitepapers that sustain and win customer business.

Electro-Acoustic Development Engineers are ultimately responsible for applying their domain expertise to develop novel sensors and systems that solve critical problems of national importance.

The ideal candidate has experience in audio and/or acoustic applications, and will work on various technology areas that span the following:

• State-of-the-art accelerometers, hydrophones, microphones, and other novel sensors in various form factors, including MEMS
• Instrumentation electronics including low-noise operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital & digital-to-analog converters, and analog filtering
• Digital systems that utilize FPGAs, microcontrollers and ASICs to implement algorithms for signal, image, and data processing
• Simulation and modeling of phenomenology that includes the relevant physics, sensor modalities, and signal processing methods


Candidates should have experience with the following engineering tools:

• Familiar with LTspice, MATLAB, Simulink, or other multi-domain modeling tools
• Familiar with C, C++, Python, MATLAB, HDL, or other development languages
• Familiar with Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, or similar test and data acquisition systems

Job Description:

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:

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

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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.