New

Principal RF System Engineer

Draper Labs
retirement plan
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Sep 25, 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: As Principal Radio Frequency System Engineer you will work directly with customers and program managers to create innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions, for a broad range of highly-complicated mission needs. You will perform highly-competent analysis and simulation of the core system at a post-graduate level, consistently exhibiting good judgement for which problems must be solved, and which may be delegated or deferred. You will have hands-on involvement with prototype development, working on the bench with typical test and measurement instrumentation, and in anechoic chambers and Faraday rooms. You will also leverage advanced instrumentation, such as propagation emulators and wavefront simulators, exercising and validating our prototypes in realistic environments, prior to fielding. Draper has a long track record of investing in the capital equipment used by our RF Group, to enable the most compelling and innovative program offerings. As a leader in the RF organization your advice will be sought for business development, IR&D strategy, hiring strategy and execution, and university engagements. Due to the nature of our customers' missions, this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently-renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories. Typical candidates have ten years of relevant experience beyond the doctorate, or 15 years of relevant experience post masters degree. Aligned with our goal of developing long-term relationships with key staff, we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems. Manages complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment. Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships. Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems. Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF and Communications systems. Independently drives solutions to complex problems-develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements. Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capabilities in key areas to help sustain business growth. Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems. Focuses on advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field. Contributes to capability expansion, talent acquisition and mentoring graduate students. Assembles and delivers customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work. Able to provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines. Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them. Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced engineers. Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals. Ability to lead cross functional teams. Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors. Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities Knowledge of RF systems and architectures. Knowledge of fundamental of electrical engineering. Skills with RF and Communications software tools. Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements. Strong problem solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment. Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details. Education Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred. Experience Requires 10+ years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US 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 $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.