MBSE Engineer for Space System Application
Draper· Defense & Space R&D· Oct 22, 2026 · 6d ago
Cambridge, MA
In office
Full-time
Senior
$75K–$156K
3+ years exp
Job description
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:
The Digital Engineering and Integrated Capabilities group at Draper is seeking a Model Based Systems Engineer to work within a multidisciplinary team to develop system concepts, system test concepts, requirements & architecture for a new space based application. The candidate will employ Model Based Systems Engineering approaches to support systems development from concept, identification of system needs, generation of use cases, system architecture and requirements. Responsibilities may also include elucidation of mission needs, mission engineering, architecture/design trade space exploration for integrated hardware/software systems, simulation-based performance analysis for complex systems and system-of-systems, architecture definition using digital engineering (DE) and/or model-based system engineering (MBSE) frameworks and briefing of results to leadership or government sponsors.
Desired Skills & Abilities:
• Experience with SysML and implementing tools such as MagicDraw
• Familiarity with space missions operating in LEO, MEO, GEO
• Familiarity with GNC concepts and space sensors
• Requirements and Design Compliance
o Requirements Verification Traceability, System/Product Compliance Plans and Reporting
o System Verification Development, Management and Execution
• Interface Development and Management
o Familiarity with interface standards and interface coordination documentation: e.g. OSI Framework, DoDAF, SysML, Deterministic Commination Interface Coordination documentation, Development Management of Interface Signal and Message database or interface products
• Knowledge and interest in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Trade Space Exploration (TSE), Machine Learning and Data Engineering
• Experience one or more tools such as DOORs, MATLAB/Simulink, Python
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools is a plus.
Preferred Characteristics:
• Ability to support on-site consistently is required.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Independently execute system engineering full development lifecycle assignments, from requirements capture to deployment with some oversight.
• Provide content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership
• Adheres to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continues to expand their depth/knowledge in their technical discipline through formal and informal learning.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments
• Help define, plan, and execute engineering analyses/design trades
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• 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.
• 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.
Education
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.
Experience
3-5 years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Additional Job Description:
The candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will have the ability to become knowledgeable in various problem domains, identify relevant modeling and analysis techniques, develop or integrate multi-domain models of required fidelity, present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and decision-making. The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US 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
$75,000.00 - $156,000.00 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 .
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