Principal Systems Architect

Draper•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions to complex system- and enterprise-level problems. The Division works across multiple domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Draper has adopted an integrated, model-based, and data-driven mindset in solving complex Engineering problems spanning the entire product lifecycle. From early-lifecycle problem definition and requirement management, conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model-driven customer reviews, integration and testing, verification and validation, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper applies a suite of Digital Engineering solutions to meet the needs of our projects. For this role, we are seeking candidates with broad multidisciplinary interests in Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization, Model-based Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Software development and Integration, and Advanced Algorithms. The ability to communicate complex and abstract technical ideas to a broad profile of stakeholders is essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
Candidates selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or higher preferred.
Experience with methodologies for Trade space exploration and analysis of alternatives under uncertainty.
Experience in data visualization and story boarding
Solid understanding of data-driven algorithmic disciplines such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Numerical optimization, Statistical and Probabilistic modeling etc. for systems with underlying physics and sparse multidimensional data.
A passion to build quick turn-around prototypes, demonstrate proof-of-concept, and drive to productization
Prior experience in technical leadership, stakeholder engagement and management
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other leading national experts in science and technology from academia, national laboratories, and industry who may have ongoing competing priorities and viewpoints.
Ability to create and present senior level communications for internal and external customers.
Experience in leading or involvement in organizational transformations
Expertise with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, Department of Defense Acquisition Framework, or other government or industry Systems Engineering standards
Experience modeling DoD weapons, navigation, or communications systems
Experience with new business development, generating white papers and new proposal content
Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Responsibilities

Work with senior leaders across Draper to analyze and capture customer and stakeholder needs, understand and evaluate relevant technology options, and apply advanced decision-making strategies to develop innovative system solutions.
Maintain strong external presence in the Digital Engineering world as a thought leader and innovative thinker, understand external trends and map back to Draper needs and new business development.
Conceptualize and lead the development of the appropriate solution for each project depending on the lifecycle needs, with a “Product Owner” hat.
Bridge the knowledge gaps and across Draper. Build and promote cross functional teams to meet customer and internal needs.
Lead complex assignments with minimal management direction and evolving task priorities. Mentor technical staff and development teams to successfully work to deadlines, often while successfully managing to multiple competing priorities
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
Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Reliably aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and 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
Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
Performs other duties as assigned.