Principal Software Technical Lead - The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc

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.

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 hr@draper.com.

Draper is seeking a senior-level technical professional to serve as the Software Technical Lead for a multi-disciplinary development program of national importance. The system under development consists of complex precision components, electro-mechanical and electro-optical parts, advanced electronics, and safety-critical embedded software.

The Software Technical Lead will oversee the development, integration, testing, and release of all mission-critical software for the program, which involves embedded flight software, deployment testing and support software.

The software area will be jointly managed by this Lead and dedicated Program Manager. Over the next five years, the software team is expected to grow by approximately 75 full-time employees. Additionally, the development program will involve multiple large-scale test events, and ensure the long-term deployment and upgrades of the system for several decades.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of multiple software configuration items including secure boot, operating system, flight software applications, and system test applications.
• Work with the Program Manager to establish overall development plan and schedules.
• Ensure the software team consistently meets all technical requirements and milestones, delivering highly reliable mission-critical software to satisfy program needs.
• Establish modern and effective software development processes (e.g., digital engineering, DevSecOps, simulation-based software, verification, and validation) for use across the program.
• Assure technical integration with other system components and technology areas, including advanced sensors and custom electronics.
• Ensure compliance with Draper’s internal policies, Trident program requirements, and quality management best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and decision-making for the software team during interaction and collaboration across program technical areas.

Required

• BS or MS in Engineering or Science field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals.
• Excellent technical judgment, strong written and oral communication skills, and a practical, common-sense approach to getting things done.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Leads with humility and respect, seeking diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment on their team.
• Knowledge of modern software development lifecycles, standards, processes, and tools.

Preferred

• Previous experience leading large-scale, embedded, mission-critical software development projects.
• Understanding of Navigation, Guidance, and Control applications.

Security Requirement

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.  Government security clearance requires proof of US citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret Clearance preferred.