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Principal Model Based Systems Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Virginia, Reston
1943 Isaac Newton Square East (Show on map)
Oct 06, 2025

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:

Have you been contributing to the development of new Aerospace and Defense Systems? Have you been following a Systems Engineering process, but wish to use more modern, fast and agile engineering tools and processes? This position within the Descriptive Systems Modeling Group at Draper may be a great next step for your career!

We are looking for Engineers who are enthusiastic to design complex Aerospace systems while applying a more complete use of the SysML language, tool, and processes. Candidates for this position should have a demonstrated ability to pick up new skills during the course of their career, and the ideal candidate will be willing to pursue additional learning and training and obtain higher levels of the OMG Systems Modeling certification.

Engineers working within the Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division are designing novel flight control systems, Guidance hardware and Navigation software for next generation missiles, spacecraft & autonomous vehicles that are critical for our Nation's defense.

Required Qualifications:
*Demonstrated experience with Systems Engineering processes
*Demonstrated experience with SysML & Systems Modeling
*Python scripting and software development
*Modeling dynamics with Matlab & Simulink
*Experience developing Requirements, System Architectures, Interface Control Documents, System Design Descriptions, and Verification/ Test Plans
*Great verbal and written communication skills

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
* Coordinate, schedule and participate in the requirements assessments.
* Conducts requirements engineering, scheduling, reliability, development, and evaluation, maintainability and analysis for training.
* Lead assessment effort in conducting both formal and informal evaluations and analysis.
* 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.
* Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
* Lead medium-sized teams. Reliably aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
* 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.
* Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
* Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
Skills/Abilities
* Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective
* Strong oral and written communication skills
* Practical experience with the systems engineering process
* Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and/or digital engineering (DE) tools/methods
* Roles may require proficiency with modeling/simulation, computer coding languages, SysML, STPA, DOORs, and/or other engineering analysis tools
* Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree preferred.

Experience
10+ years experience in systems engineering with emphasis in requirements engineering.

Additional Job Description:

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SysML behavioral modeling & Simulation experience
  • OMG Systems Modeling Certification
  • INCOSE ASEP or CSEP Certification
  • Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences
  • Experience supporting Human Systems Engineering and integration best practices

Security Requirement:

  • 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:

Reston

Job Location - State:

Virginia

Job Location - Postal Code:

20190

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

$95,000.00 - $237,500.00

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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