Draper Logo

Draper

Navigation & Tracking Engineer

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Cambridge, MA, USA
75K-156K Annually
Mid level
In-Office
Cambridge, MA, USA
75K-156K Annually
Mid level
Develops, integrates, tests, and deploys navigation and tracking algorithms and embedded software for underwater, ground, air, and space systems. Responsibilities include requirements analysis, algorithm and control-system design, software testing, performance analysis, technical documentation, customer communication, and tracking project priorities, scope, schedule, and cost. The role requires collaboration with engineers, stakeholders, and government or commercial customers while supporting advanced defense and space applications.
The summary above was generated by AI

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 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 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.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
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
3-5 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. Secret clearance is preferred.

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

$75,000.00 - $156,000.00

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].

HQ

Draper Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Office

555 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02139

Similar Jobs

2 Months Ago
In-Office
Cambridge, MA, USA
82K-206K Annually
Senior level
82K-206K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Biotech • Cybersecurity • Quantum Computing • Defense
Develop, integrate, and deploy advanced navigation and tracking algorithms and embedded software for space and defense systems. Design and analyze control, trajectory optimization, and optimal control algorithms, implement real-time software, execute tests, produce documentation, and coordinate with stakeholders to meet requirements, schedule, and cost objectives.
Top Skills: CC++MatlabPythonSimulink
33 Minutes Ago
Remote or Hybrid
3 Locations
44K-100K Annually
Junior
44K-100K Annually
Junior
Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Insurance • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Handles inbound calls and warm leads, consults customers on insurance needs, recommends appropriate Property and Casualty coverage, and converts prospects into policyholders. The role includes paid licensing and training, customer relationship building, sales closing, and representing the Liberty Mutual brand. Employees work remotely on a fixed weekday and weekend schedule and must maintain a professional home workspace with reliable wired internet.
Top Skills: Cable InternetDslFiber InternetPcWired High-Speed Internet
An Hour Ago
Hybrid
Boston, MA, USA
170K-230K Annually
Senior level
170K-230K Annually
Senior level
Fitness • Hardware • Healthtech • Sports • Wearables
Lead architecture and development of backend services, APIs, integrations, and internal tools supporting supply planning, inventory, orders, fulfillment, logistics, and membership operations. Set technical direction, deliver complex initiatives, improve system security and resilience, partner cross-functionally, and mentor engineers. The role requires designing scalable distributed systems, integrating enterprise platforms and cloud services, managing data consistency and recovery, and translating ambiguous business needs into reliable technical solutions.
Top Skills: Ai ToolsAPIsAWSAzureCloud InfrastructureDistributed SystemsGCPGoJavaPythonRelational Databases

What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene

Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.

Key Facts About Boston Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
  • Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
  • Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account