Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer

Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer Draper Labs United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge 555 Technology Square (Show on map) Apr 28, 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:

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking a Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer to serve as a development lead for novel sound and vibration technology. This key role requires you to concept, define and execute novel programs for sensing and communications systems. You will also direct the shaping and capture of new business through the development of customer relationships, proposals, presentations, and whitepapers. This is a technical leadership position that will ultimately deliver timely, high-performance technology to national security customers. The ideal candidate has a technology background in the architecture and design of acoustic sensor systems, including the hardware, software, and algorithms related to:

• infrasound to ultrasound signal acquisition
• acoustic transducer system design
• transducer modeling and simulation
• transducer arrays and signal processing
• passive and/or active noise and vibration control
• system integration and deployment
• test and measurement of acoustic systems
• interfacing with government customers In addition, candidates should have experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams of physicists, engineers, and technicians.

Presenting and publishing documentation to internal and external customers is required.

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:

Experience with the following (or similar) engineering hardware and software tools is expected: C, C++, and/or MATLAB (Python) for algorithm development on a variety of devices and instruments LTspice, MATLAB (Python), Simulink, COMSOL and/or other multi-domain modeling applications Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, and/or similar test and data acquisition systems Candidates ideally possess a M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field with a concentration in acoustics, signal processing, and/or control systems. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US 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 $95,000.00
• $245,000.

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.