Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Draper

Cambridge, USonsite$82k-$206k/yrPosted Jun 29, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listedReposted 5×, possible evergreen/ghost posting

Skills

c++cssrust

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:

The Software Engineer (SMTS) develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. Develops next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. The Engineer is involved in the full software development life cycle.

If you have experience in one or more of the following operating systems: VxWorks, GHS Integrity, FreeRTOS, RTEMS, experience with board bring up, software development utilizing C, C++ or RUST languages for ARM, RISC-V or PowerPC processors, device drivers development, knowledge of compilers, make files and linker scripts, experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment such as logic analyzers and oscilloscopes, and familiarity with modern software development tools for version control then this embedded systems technology group is for you.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.

Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.

Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms with supervision.

Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.

Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.

Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.

Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.

Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.

Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.

Ability to take responsibility for subset of engineering scope.

Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.

Actively mentor less experienced engineers.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.

Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques٫ IP protocols٫ interfaces and hardware subsystems.

Expertise in software development for real-time systems.

Mastery of high level development languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust)

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of software configuration management tools٫ defect tracking tools٫ and peer review processes.

Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Experience with UML/SysML.

Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience

Requires 5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related in the full software development life cycle.

Additional Job Description:

Preferred candidates will have prior experience with designing and implementing a real-time operating system.

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

Secret Clearance preferred.

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 - $205,750.00

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 Software Engineer role pays $82k-$206k/yr. Within typical range for software engineer roles in United States.

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