Principal Systems Analysis Engineer

About the role

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 . Job Description Summary: 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. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities - 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) in Systems Engineering - 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 - Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback. - Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners. - Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions. - Identify and develop relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi-domain qualitative models. - Present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and real-time decision-making. - Communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines. Skills/Abilities - 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. - Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals. - Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains. - Multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities. - Ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains. Education Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master's degree preferred.