Hardware Physics Engr PMTS

Draper•Cambridge, MA

2d•$95,000 - $245,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. A Principal Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical engineer or similar who works at the intersection of physics and engineering. Someone in this role designs, develops, modifies, and tests hardware and produces prototype designs. Diagnoses malfunctions and makes modifications to produce desired results. Compiles and evaluates design and test data and prepares technical specifications and is responsible for planning and conducting projects or phases of projects. The new hire will work on one or more projects to deliver innovative solutions to complex problems by developing novel multi-physics systems that may integrate nuclear engineering, MEMS sensors, optics, electronics, and actuators into aerospace systems which address critical national needs. The person will need to work across organizations to technically contribute to existing programs and help propose future concepts. Candidates should be interested in novel nuclear systems and precision sensors while being willing to venture into new and unexplored areas. Experience in application areas such as inertial guidance, spacecraft development, nuclear power and propulsion, radiochemistry, radiation hardened aerospace systems, hypersonic vehicles/modeling, and high-power optics/lasers are beneficial but not required. The candidate will be expected to work effectively in a team environment and communicate progress through reports and presentations. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in physics, nuclear engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Desired skills include: • A strong background in computational analysis using modeling tools such as Comsol, Ansys, Matlab/Simulink, Solidworks, TCAD, MCNP, CEPXS and/or Geant. • Ability to develop creative solutions to complex systems problems by leveraging novel nuclear physics, MEMS technology, fluid modeling, advanced optics and related technologies. • Willingness to occasionally travel (< 1/quarter) for testing or to visit sponsors. • Ability to work with program managers and customers to define needs/requirements, help write proposals and eventually lead technical efforts.

Requirements

A strong background in computational analysis using modeling tools such as Comsol, Ansys, Matlab/Simulink, Solidworks, TCAD, MCNP, CEPXS and/or Geant.
Ability to develop creative solutions to complex systems problems by leveraging novel nuclear physics, MEMS technology, fluid modeling, advanced optics and related technologies.
Willingness to occasionally travel (< 1/quarter) for testing or to visit sponsors.
Ability to work with program managers and customers to define needs/requirements, help write proposals and eventually lead technical efforts.
Proficiency in programming language.
Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in application areas such as inertial guidance, spacecraft development, nuclear power and propulsion, radiochemistry, radiation hardened aerospace systems, hypersonic vehicles/modeling, and high-power optics/lasers are beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.
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.
Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
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) able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems
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.
Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
Performs other related duties as assigned.