Principal Astronomer

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 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.

• 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 ablity 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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