Flight Computer Software-in-the-Loop Simulation Engineer

Draper

Cambridge, USonsite$82k-$220k/yrPosted Jun 16, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

Skills

kubernetesdockerpythonc++

About the role

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 Flight Computer Software-in-the-Loop Simulation Engineer designs, develops and refines dynamic models, simulations and computing infrastructure for rapid assessment, integration, and test of new flight computers and aerospace vehicles. Simulation applications range from high-level vehicle simulations to software unit testing.

The ideal applicant will have knowledge of dynamic modeling in Matlab and Simulink as well as high performance computing experience including Linux bash scripting and container orchestration. Python software development experience is needed as well.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

Model operational environments, perform studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.

Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks assess system survivability, system effectiveness, and overall system performance in engagement / mission-level scenarios.

Architect, integrate, verify and validate components of a simulation in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.

Develop simulation requirements, writing and automating test plans.

Develop real-time hardware interfaces and integrate legacy software models

Develop new software models with subject matter experts.

Integrate 3D visualization tools, develop 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

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

Experience

5-7 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:

Software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting

Experience with C/C++

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink.

Experience with Real Time operating systems is a plus

Experience with the Linux operating system, including bash scripting, operating system administration

Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, containerization and virtualization

Ability to develop test plans, software development plans, and document test results

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

Current In-Scope Top Secret Clearance Required.

Onsite in Cambridge, MA only.

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.

Compensation

This Simulation Engineer role pays $82k-$220k/yr. Within typical range for simulation engineer roles in United States.

Questions about this role

Click "Apply with AI Applyd" above. We auto-fill the application from your resume and answer screening questions in seconds. No copy and paste, no juggling tabs.

Compensation for Simulation Engineer roles in United States varies widely by seniority, employer size, and remote vs onsite arrangement. Check the salary range on this listing when published, or browse our Simulation Engineer hub for United States medians across recent openings.

Most applications complete in under 90 seconds. You can track the status in your dashboard and watch the screenshot proof land the moment the application submits.

AI Applyd supports Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Workday, iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, Personio, Teamtailor and other major ATS platforms. If we can submit through the platform, we do.

Want AI Applyd to auto-apply to roles like this?

We tailor your resume per posting, fill the forms, and track replies for you.