Senior Flight Software Engineer
About The Position
Draper is seeking a senior embedded-software professional to lead the development of high-performance, fault-tolerant flight software for resource-constrained platforms across air, space, undersea and hypersonic domains. The Senior Engineer will own the end-to-end software lifecycle—from requirements analysis and algorithm design through implementation, verification and documentation—while applying a “security-by-design” mindset. In addition to classic embedded duties, the role will incorporate lightweight DevSecOps practices such as automated builds, continuous integration testing, static code analysis, and basic security hardening to ensure that every release meets Draper’s rigorous safety and security standards. The ideal candidate brings 5-10 years of real-time C/C++ (or Rust) development for aerospace-grade hardware, strong analytical/problem-solving skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers and collaborate closely with hardware, systems and cyber-security teams. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required.
Requirements
- Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
- Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems.
- Expertise in software development for real-time systems.
- Mastery of high level development languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust)
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes.
- Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Experience with UML/SysML.
- Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
- 5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related.
- Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Security clearance is preferred.
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 with supervision.
- 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.
- Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.
- Ability to take responsibility for subset of engineering scope.
- Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
- Actively mentor less experienced engineers.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- workplace flexibility
- employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga
- health and finance workshops
- off site social events
- discounts to local museums and cultural activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
