Distinguished Astronomical Instrument Engineer

Cambridge, MA, USFull-time$75k–$220k2026-11-03 → 2026-11-10

Security clearance required

Core

Lead large-scale astronomical instrumentation projects, designing and modeling novel observing instruments and solving complex multidisciplinary hardware problems for defense and space exploration customers.

Role type

Distinguished Astronomical Instrument Engineer (Technical Director)

Builds

Precision optical instruments and hardware systems for celestial imaging and data reduction

Domain

Aerospace/Defense + Optical Engineering

Required skills

Optical engineering, optomechanics, hardware instrument design, project leadership, proposal development, vendor management, experimental design, CAD/FEA/MATLAB

Preferred skills

Astrophysics background, Masters or PhD degree, security clearance eligibility

Technologies

MATLAB, CAD, FEA

Responsibilities

Formulate hardware solutions to complex problems, lead technically diverse projects, design experiments to validate concepts, integrate precision instruments into larger systems, draft technical reports and testing results

Seniority

Distinguished, hands-on IC with strategic leadership

About draper

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.