Early Career Engineer, Draper Capstone Cohort (2025-2026)

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:

You’ve already worked alongside a Draper Mentor, now take the next step.
As a participant in the Draper sponsored capstone project, you’ve had a first-hand look at how we solve complex, real-world challenges across: Space, Defense, Biotechnology, and Electronic Systems. This opportunity is designed specifically for you.
We’re inviting capstone participants from the 2025-2026 academic year to apply to our Early Career Engineering role, where your background, interests and experience will be matched with teams across Draper.
Whether your focus is on hardware, software, systems, biotechnology, and data analytics, we want you to explore where you can make the biggest impact.
Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to students who participated in a Draper-sponsored capstone project during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Job Description:

What You’ll Do:

• Apply hands-on engineering experience from your capstone project to real-world programs

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware, software, biotech, and systems domains

• Contribute to the design, development, testing or analysis of advanced technologies

• Support programs that transition from concept to prototype to development

• Work with experienced engineers and subject matter experts to solve some of the nation’s hardest problems

Experience:

• Participation in Draper-sponsored capstone project (2025-2026)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Systems, Robotics, Biomedical, etc.)

• Hands-on experience through coursework, labs, or project work

• Technical experience in one or more of the following:

  • Hardware design, fabrication, or testing

  • Software development (C/C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.)

  • Robotics, controls, or embedded systems

  • Modeling, simulation, or optimization

  • Data analysis, or image processing

• Strong problem-solving skills and curiosity

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain 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

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$62,500.00 - $140,000.00

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 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 [email protected].