New

Hardware Physics Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Jan 16, 2026
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: Job Description Summary As a Solid-State Instrument Engineer in the Solid State Instruments Group, you will play a critical role in the development of inertial instruments for cutting-edge guidance applications. You will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to build next-generation gyroscope, accelerometer and guidance-aiding sensor prototypes, characterize their performance, develop production roll-out and ultimately deliver production hardened sensors meeting some of the world's most stringent requirements. Additional Job Description The ideal candidate is an early-career engineer with relevant coursework or internship experience in the design and development of high-precision solid-state sensors and systems. Sensor and system design, solid-state physics, control systems, and sensor readout design are examples of skills we are seeking for this role. The candidate will be expected to assist in test, development and design of solid-state instruments and coordinate with a team of SMEs to deliver sensor systems. The candidate will have a practical understanding of MEMS or other solid state sensor technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a history of hands-on design and fabrication skills as well as prototyping and development. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or related discipline is preferred, though strong candidates with bachelor's degrees and proven industry experience will be considered 1-5 years of technical experience in a relevant industry or research environment preferred Must be highly self-motivated, and must thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills Track record of inventiveness and self-starting Job Description:* Duties/Responsibilities * Applies basic technical knowledge to well defined problems and seeks out opportunities to learn new technical skills. * Analyzes requirements and develops appropriate precision instruments with guidance. * Designs experiments and experimental hardware to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal. * Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs. * Collaborates with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics. * Develops initial processes for the fabrication of custom designed instruments. * Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval. * Provides training related to devices to employees, sub-contractors and/or customers. * Performs basic independent research and seeks assistance when needed for solving problems. * Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments. * Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware. * Thorough understanding of applied math and physics. * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline. Education Requires a bachelors degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Masters or PhD degree preferred. Experience Requires 0-3 years of experience in Hardware Instrument 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 $62,500.00 - $140,000.00 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.