Hardware Physics Engr PMTS

Draper•Cambridge, MA

14d•$95,000 - $245,000•Onsite

About The Position

Draper is seeking a Principal Hardware Physics Engineer to work at the intersection of physics and engineering. The role designs, develops, modifies, and tests hardware; produces prototype designs; diagnoses malfunctions; evaluates design and test data; prepares technical specifications; and plans and conducts projects or project phases. The hire will contribute to projects developing novel multiphysics systems that may integrate nuclear engineering, MEMS sensors, optics, electronics, and actuators into aerospace systems. The work includes contributing to existing programs, helping propose future concepts, collaborating across organizations, and communicating progress through reports and presentations. Relevant application areas may include inertial guidance, spacecraft development, nuclear power and propulsion, radiochemistry, radiation-hardened aerospace systems, hypersonic vehicles and modeling, and high-power optics or lasers; experience in these areas is beneficial but not required. The position involves advanced design and analysis, hardware project planning, development of quantum, optical, or photonic sensors and instruments, and analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electromechanical systems. The engineer will help define requirements and analysis approaches, develop and implement solutions, identify and mitigate technical risks, provide technical leadership and consultation, mentor less experienced engineers, and contribute to technical reports and presentations. The role also involves working with program managers and customers to define needs, support proposals, and potentially lead technical efforts. The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in a relevant technical field, experience in physics engineering or a related discipline, computational modeling skills, programming ability, and strong communication and technical writing skills. Applicants selected for the position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance; a Secret clearance is preferred. The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Occasional travel of less than once per quarter may be required for testing or sponsor visits.

Requirements

Master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or a similar field; a PhD is preferred.
With a master's degree, 5–10 years of experience in Physics Engineering or a related field; with a PhD, 0–5 years of experience.
Proficiency in a programming language.
Ability to write software routines for laboratory experiments, including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
Ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Consistency, accountability, and flexibility in managing multiple competing priorities.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate progress through reports and presentations.
Applicants selected for the position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

PhD degree.
Secret security clearance.
Strong computational analysis background using tools such as Comsol, Ansys, Matlab/Simulink, Solidworks, TCAD, MCNP, CEPXS, and/or Geant.
Ability to develop creative solutions to complex systems problems using nuclear physics, MEMS technology, fluid modeling, advanced optics, and related technologies.
Experience in inertial guidance, spacecraft development, nuclear power and propulsion, radiochemistry, radiation-hardened aerospace systems, hypersonic vehicles or modeling, or high-power optics or lasers.
Willingness to travel occasionally, less than once per quarter, for testing or sponsor visits.

Responsibilities

Develop and apply advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
Analyze, develop, and recommend design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
Plan and conduct hardware projects or phases of projects.
Develop quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction.
Use quantitative analysis to determine root causes of technical problems and develop and implement corrective solutions.
Develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
Define analysis approaches and independently execute assignments.
Contribute technical content to reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
Identify concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
Drive solutions to complex problems, contribute to requirements development, and adapt to changes in requirements.
Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electromechanical systems.
Use analysis results to recommend design modifications and apply analysis techniques across technical disciplines.
Identify program- and system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Mentor less experienced engineers, provide constructive feedback, and teach documented best practices.
Demonstrate organization, planning, and time management to achieve program goals.
Work with program managers and customers to define needs and requirements, help write proposals, and potentially lead technical efforts.
Write software routines for laboratory experiments, including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
Perform other related duties as assigned.