Senior GNC Systems Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
Washington, US
Remote

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 Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next-generation weapon system concepts for the war fighter. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to participate in the conceptualization and development of new US military capabilities in strategic mission domains, as well as for enabling guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem technology. An ideal candidate for this role would match the following description: a) Systems engineer with experience in defense/missile applications. b) Desire to shape/innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance. c) Prior experience specifically with hypersonic weapon systems would be valued. d) GNC technologist with strong foundational understanding of guidance and navigation. e) Practitioner of modern systems engineering/architecting techniques. f) Proven technical leader who can manage small engineering teams. g) Experienced in proposing and planning R&D engineering projects. h) Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence. Working in a dynamic team environment developing state-of-the-art weapon/GN&C systems will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies as well as afford opportunities for increased leadership/impact on the development of new war-fighter capability. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities • Architect novel weapon system solutions for complex mission problems • Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements • Work within multi-disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments • Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction • Lead small teams and align team towards program goals. • Provides insight and suggests design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges • Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies. • Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback • 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 highly preferred. Experience 5-10 years experience as systems engineer or related role. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this opportunity 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 $82,300.00 - $220,000.00 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 i

Skills & Requirements

Technical Skills

PythonReactLeadershipCommunicationDefenseMissile applicationsHypersonic weapon systemsGuidance and navigationSystems engineeringModeling and simulationComputer language codingDescriptive modelingStpaEngineering analysis tools

Employment Type

FULL TIME

Level

senior

Posted

4/9/2026

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