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Principal Simulation Engineer

Draper
Cambridge, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/21/2026 CLOSED ON 6/6/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Simulation Engineer position at Draper?

Overview

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 Principal System Modeling & Simulation Engineer designs, develops, validates, and maintains dynamic simulations and infrastructure for rapid assessment, integration, and test of complex systems. Simulation applications range from high-level behavioral simulations for visualization and evaluation of system concepts to high-fidelity real-time simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop infrastructure to support development, integration, test, and sustainment of systems and software.

Duties/Responsibilities

Job Description:

  • Architect, integrate, verify and validate system-level simulations in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.
  • May working independently or lead a small team of engineers.
  • Develop simulation CONOPs, use cases, and requirements.
  • Design a simulation architecture, including internal and external interfaces, facilities, infrastructure, and models, to satisfy requirements,
  • Write and automate test plans.
  • Develop real-time hardware interfaces, integrate legacy software models, and develop new software models.
  • Acts as a subject matter expert in System Modeling and Simulation engineering.
  • Integrate 3D visualization tools, and
  • Development and maintain an in house real-time software framework.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with analytical methods, approaches, and data visualization.
  • Excellent mathematical skills.
  • 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 quickly understand and integrate new software APIs
  • Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software and hardware integration issues
  • Ability to develop systems with human factors, UI/UX, usability requirements.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences.

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field. PhD. preferred..

Experience

7-10 years of Systems Engineering or related experience.

  • Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting
  • Significant experience with C/C and MATLAB/Simulink.

Additional Job Description

Experienced software and systems engineer able to architect, integrate, and verify and validate components of a simulation in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.

Activities may include developing simulation requirements, writing and automating test plans, developing real-time hardware interfaces, integrating legacy software models, developing new software models with subject matter experts, integrating 3D visualization tools, and development and maintenance of an in house real time software framework.

Required Qualifications

  • Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting
  • Significant experience with C/C and Matlab/Simulink
  • Ability to quickly understand and integrate new software APIs
  • Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software\hardware integration issues
  • Experience developing systems where human factors, UI/UX, and usability trade off with engineering and business demands
  • Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in C/C development in a Linux environment (Bash, GCC, GNU Make, GDB, etc.)
  • Experience with communications protocols and hardware drivers
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink
  • Familiarity with GNC systems and 6DOF dynamics
  • Experience in presenting test results to customers
  • Experience with engineering team leadership

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$95,000.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or 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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.

Salary : $95,000 - $245,000

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