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techroles

Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished

Draper Open
Cambridge Full-time Mid-level Software Engineering

At a glance

Mid-level Software Engineering role at Draper. Cambridge · full-time · $100,000–$275,000 base.

SalaryStated by Draper
$100,000 – $275,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from DraperOur estimate for the market: $155,313–$182,375Median $163,500
The range includes the market median of $163,500 for mid-level software engineering roles in Cambridge.
Worked out from 6 postings that stated pay, median $163,500. Last updated Oct 5, 2026.
RoleSoftware Engineering
SeniorityMid-level
LocationCambridge
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$100,000–$275,000
PostedSep 28, 2026
Role brief

techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Shape requirements into design options, weighing tradeoffs and helping define system architecture
  • Build embedded software from prototype algorithms and develop algorithms for mission-critical applications
  • Test software against requirements, analyze results, and fix causes of performance or functional problems
  • Prepare engineering documentation and manage technical risks with mitigation plans
  • Guide junior engineers while contributing to a defined portion of the engineering work

What you bring

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering
  • Ten to fifteen years in software engineering or a related discipline
  • Strong embedded and real-time software skills, including C/C++ or Rust development
  • Experience with UML/SysML and lab debugging equipment such as JTAG tools

Who this fits

This role suits an experienced software engineer who can work with limited direction, own part of an engineering effort and mentor less experienced colleagues. The job is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and requires obtaining and maintaining a government security clearance.

From the employer

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 looking for a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished to join the Mission Software Architectures and Applications group. The engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. They design and develop resilient, fault tolerant, real-time, highly reliable software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. The Engineer is well-versed in the full mission-critical software development life cycle, from architecture conceptualization, requirements analysis, design and documentation through development, testing and release. They collaborate across multiple interdisciplinary teams to plan, build and test new functionality. They work on developing and debugging embedded software as well as executing software and system-level tests in various engineering environments, including complex software-in-the-loop simulations and real-time hardware-in-the-loop environments. The candidate will be expected to follow and push for continuous improvement of software development best practices on complex projects. They will also be expected to provide mentorship to more junior software engineers.

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.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.
• Responsibility for subset of engineering scope.
• Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• 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 10-15 years experience in Software Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a 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

$100,000.00 - $275,000.00

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.

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.

Opportunity

Software Engineering work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.

Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.

Software Engineering$100k+

Find me work

By the team behind techroles.

Find me work
Opportunity

Software Engineering work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.

Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.

Find me work

By the team behind techroles.