Principal Astronomer

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:
Draper is conducting a nationwide search for a scientist/engineer with a background in astronomy or astrophysics, and with hands-on technical experience with optics-based celestial imaging instruments.


The successful applicant can expect to lead very complex technology development efforts, with broad and deep responsibilities, including:

Concept architecting
Modeling and simulation
Algorithms and electronics concept design
Interfaces definition
Management of overall design and development & implementation and test activities

In addition, opportunities for leadership of the growing technology portfolio, and the associated program and business development, are available on a regular basis.


Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities
•Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.

•Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.

•Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.

•Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.

•May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.

•Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.

•Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.

•Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.

•Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.

•Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.

•Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.

•Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.

•Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.

•Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.

•Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
•Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.

•Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.

•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
•Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems
•Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical 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.

•Performs other related duties as assigned.


Skills/Abilities
•Proficiency in programming language.

•Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.

•Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.

•Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.

•Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.


Education
Requires a master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar.
PhD degree preferred.


Experience
5-10 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master's degree.

0-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a PhD degree.


Additional Job Description: Ph.D.
(or equivalent degree) in astronomy, physics, mathematics, optics, electrical engineering, or computer science 10+ years scientific or engineering experience in the field Background must include instances of technical leadership in developing data-analysis algorithms, and/or developing optical & opto-electronic systems, and/or managing test and data-analysis operations Project coordination and proposal development Leading hands-on work - and ability to independently organize the stand-up of infrastructure required to develop hardware, software and test procedures Excellent oral and written communication skills are required Must be willing to travel

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance, which requires proof of US citizenship.


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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

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.


Equal Employment Opportunity:

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
We understand the value of diversity 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, gender identity, 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 ******.