Systems Analysis Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory • Cambridge, MA

17h • $75,000 - $156,000

About The Position

A Systems Analysis Engineer develops and applies advanced modeling, simulation, and mission analysis methods to assess complex systems, operational concepts, and mission scenarios in support of critical national security challenges. This role works across interdisciplinary teams to evaluate system performance, mission effectiveness, technical risk, and operational trade spaces across domains including strategic deterrence, missile defense, hypersonics, space, precision strike, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies. Responsibilities span the full system development lifecycle, from concept exploration, architecture development, and trade studies through integration, test and evaluation, and operational implementation. This role has a strong emphasis on threat-informed analysis, mission-level modeling, and evidence-based recommendations that inform technology maturation, system design, and strategic investment decisions.

Requirements

• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to become knowledgeable in various problem domains, identify relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi-domain qualitative models.
• Ability to present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and decision-making is critical, thus communications and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must.
• Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Knowledge and interest in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Model based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Trade Space Exploration (TSE), Machine Learning and Data Science.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field.
• Requires 3-5 years experience in systems analysis or related.
• Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.
• Experience applying modeling, simulation, and mission analysis techniques to complex defense, aerospace, or national security problem sets, with the ability to translate technical outputs into mission-relevant insights.
• Proficiency in one or more programming or analytical languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Java, etc., including experience developing scripts, analytic workflows, or simulation tools.
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, and computational environments, including tools such as MATLAB toolboxes, or other scientific computing frameworks.
• Familiarity with mission-level modeling and simulation environments, digital engineering tools, or campaign analysis frameworks (e.g., AFSIM, STK, Simulink, MBSE environments, or equivalent).
• Experience working with large, multi-source datasets, APIs, databases, or sensor-derived data to support operational assessments, algorithm development, or performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to support trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and what-if assessments to inform technical and programmatic decisions.
• Experience communicating technical findings through briefings, white papers, technical reports, and sponsor-facing presentations to both technical and customer audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering, analysis, and mission-focused teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Familiarity with DoW mission environments, strategic deterrence, guidance and control, threat-informed analysis, or weapons system performance assessment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs analysis approaches for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments; concept and architecture design, integration, testing and operation.
• 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
• Contribute to the updates of best practices and processes to reflect the most up to date tools and procedures.
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners.
• Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees