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:

A Principal Communications Engineer designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacturing of electrical printed circuit boards (PCBs), analog and digital circuits, electronic equipment, sensors, motors, radar and navigation systems. The engineer develops the architecture, designs circuits, performs simulations, performs physical layout, verifies and tests designs. Performs a variety of engineering activities throughout the life-cycle to support: planning, design, test, deployment, and sustainment.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Design RF systems and networks, including cabling, switches, routers, and access points, and troubleshoot and test network components.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain Internet Protocol (IP)-based network technologies and applications.
• Design, debug, and test network management software and operating systems.
• Design, develop, and implement network security and device management systems and applications.
• Design, develop, and implement network storage and backup systems.
• Design, develop, and implement network monitoring and fault tolerance systems.
• Manage complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Develop and maintain expertise in telecommunications technology and network architectures.
• Use standard laboratory instrumentation for validation and troubleshooting.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Subject Matter Expert (SME), and able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex RF systems
• Assemble and deliver customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work
• 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
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Ability to lead team of multidisciplinary engineers

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Knowledge of at least one area:
- RF systems and architectures
- RF active and passive circuits and components (LNAs, filters, mixers, etc.)
- Fundamental of electrical engineering (noise, linearity, stability, etc.)
- Knowledge of electromagnetic concepts
- DSP algorithms design and implementation
- Knowledge of digital communications theory and systems
• Skills with at least one set of tools:
- RF software tools (ADS, AWR, HFSS, or similar.)
- MATLAB or Python
- Software Design Radios tools
• Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurement (VNA, etc.).
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Education
Requires bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. Masters degree preferred.

Experience
Requires 7-10 years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

As a principal engineer you will be the lead architect for developing new waveforms and receive algorithms for RF signature detection, communication systems, electronic attack and protection systems, all geared toward both prototype and the full life cycle of fielded products.

A typical assignment might begin with conducting a literature survey of state-of-the-art receiver algorithms.  You would identify the most  promising candidates, conduct a highly-competent, mission-relevant trade study using MATLAB, and report your recommendations to our sponsors and collaborators. You would then write a design specification, work with our SW and HDL teams to realize a deliverable product, and periodically evaluate the product’s field performance, with an eye toward continuous improvement. Hands on testing ability is critical.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specific hands-on experience with DSP development, implementation and testing on multiple projects

Lead design and development of DSP algorithms for communication systems

Hands-on experience with software defined radios (SDR)

Highly experience with digital communication systems, PHY layer topics, channel coding algorithms and modulation theory

Very proficient in using MATLAB for DSP signal analysis

Very experienced with hands on test/measurement to validate concepts and deep dive on performance issues/artifacts; typical measurements might include phase noise, identifying and quantifying noise contributors (LNAs, ADC, LO phase noise, etc.), characterizing triggering repeatability and synchronization stability

Ability to efficiently document  test setup descriptions, test parameters, assumptions, results and takeaway messages in parallel with development efforts 

Very proficient in C++ and python

Ability to efficiently document  test setup descriptions, test parameters, assumptions, results and takeaway messages in parallel with development efforts

Security Requirements:

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.