Software Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, Massachusetts are in strong demand, concentrated in Kendall Square, East Cambridge, and the MIT corridor across biotech, enterprise software, and edtech. Employers hiring right now include Draper, Google, and Lila Sciences. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 80+ Software Engineer jobs
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 seeking a software engineer for development of embedded real-time avionics systems. The engineer will develop high performance embedded solutions for resource constrained targets. These will include next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonic systems and space. The engineer will be involved in the full software development life cycle from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field.Job Description:
- Independently execute task assignments.
- Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques, adheres to software best practices.
- Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
- Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
- Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
- Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
- Drives solutions to complex problems, actively participate in requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
- Contributes to system architecture decisions and leads the architecture of sub-systems.
- Provides insight and suggest adaptations or modifications to processes and/or applications based on quantitative data or results.
- Identifies project technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
- Actively mentors less experienced staff and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback.
- Lead a small team of software developers on projects.
Skills/Abilities
- Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrate an ability to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
- A team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
Education
Requires a bachelor's in Computer Science or other related field. Master's degree is preferred.
Experience
5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related field.
Additional Job Description:
Candidate must have experience in embedded software development with
- RISC-V and Ultrascale+ (Arm) processors or other low power microcontrollers (e.g. PowerPC, TMS320),
- Real-time operating systems (RTOSs), such as VxWorks, Integrity, embedded Linux, Zephyr and FreeRTOS,
- C/C++ and assembly programming languages
- Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets
- Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, interfaces, hardware subsystems and driver development
- Development experience with device drivers, board support package, boot code and knowledge of embedded system busses and protocols (e.g. CAN, I2C, SPI, Serial, SpaceWire, 1553)
- Expertise in development tools (e.g. GCC, LLVM), static analysis tools, dynamic analysis, and QEMU based development are preferred
- Knowledge and experience with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes.
- Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment.
- Experience with safety-critical systems and compliance with industry standards, such as DO-178C is highly desirable.
- Experience with developing formal requirements, design and test documentation and supporting formal reviews
- Prior development of RTOSs is desirable.
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:
CambridgeJob Location - State:
MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$82,300.00 - $220,000.00Our 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.
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 seeking a software engineer for development of embedded real-time avionics systems. The engineer will develop high performance embedded solutions for resource constrained targets. These will include next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonic systems and space. The engineer will be involved in the full software development life cycle from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field.Job Description:
- Independently execute task assignments.
- Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques, adheres to software best practices.
- Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
- Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
- Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
- Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
- Drives solutions to complex problems, actively participate in requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
- Contributes to system architecture decisions and leads the architecture of sub-systems.
- Provides insight and suggest adaptations or modifications to processes and/or applications based on quantitative data or results.
- Identifies project technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
- Actively mentors less experienced staff and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback.
- Lead a small team of software developers on projects.
Skills/Abilities
- Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrate an ability to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
- A team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
Education
Requires a bachelor's in Computer Science or other related field. Master's degree is preferred.
Experience
5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related field.
Additional Job Description:
Candidate must have experience in embedded software development with
- RISC-V and Ultrascale+ (Arm) processors or other low power microcontrollers (e.g. PowerPC, TMS320),
- Real-time operating systems (RTOSs), such as VxWorks, Integrity, embedded Linux, Zephyr and FreeRTOS,
- C/C++ and assembly programming languages
- Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets
- Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, interfaces, hardware subsystems and driver development
- Development experience with device drivers, board support package, boot code and knowledge of embedded system busses and protocols (e.g. CAN, I2C, SPI, Serial, SpaceWire, 1553)
- Expertise in development tools (e.g. GCC, LLVM), static analysis tools, dynamic analysis, and QEMU based development are preferred
- Knowledge and experience with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes.
- Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment.
- Experience with safety-critical systems and compliance with industry standards, such as DO-178C is highly desirable.
- Experience with developing formal requirements, design and test documentation and supporting formal reviews
- Prior development of RTOSs is desirable.
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:
CambridgeJob Location - State:
MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$82,300.00 - $220,000.00Our 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.
See All 80 Software Engineer Jobs in Cambridge
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Find Software Engineer JobsSoftware Engineer Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Draper14
- Google10
- Lila Sciences9
- RTX4
- Akamai Technologies4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Technology & Software
- Artificial Intelligence
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Science & Research
Software Engineer Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a software engineer job in Cambridge?
Cambridge hiring is heavily driven by Kendall Square's dense cluster of biotech firms, university spinouts, and enterprise software companies, so tailoring your experience to those sectors gives you a real edge. Roles in full-stack development, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure see consistent demand. Networking through MIT and Harvard communities, attending local tech meetups, and targeting companies adjacent to academic research partnerships are the most effective local strategies.
Which companies hire software engineers in Cambridge?
Employers hiring software engineers in Cambridge right now include Draper, Google, and Lila Sciences, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Cambridge's employer mix leans toward life sciences technology platforms, research-backed startups, and established enterprise software firms with offices anchored in the Kendall Square and East Cambridge corridors.
Are there remote software engineer jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, software engineering is among the most remote-compatible roles in the job market. About 67% of software engineer openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the flexibility most tech employers extend to this role. Backend, data engineering, and cloud infrastructure positions in Cambridge tend to be the most remote-friendly, while roles requiring lab-adjacent systems integration are more likely to require on-site presence.
How can I get a software engineer job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is targeting associate or junior software engineer roles at mid-size biotech platforms and edtech startups, which often have more structured onboarding than large enterprise firms. Contributing to open-source projects tied to MIT or Harvard research groups, completing internships at Kendall Square companies, and building a portfolio that reflects life sciences or data tooling gives candidates a tangible local edge over generalist applicants.
Which industries hire the most software engineers in Cambridge?
The sectors hiring the most software engineers in Cambridge are Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Technology & Software, and Artificial Intelligence, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Cambridge's concentration of research institutions, biotech campuses, and venture-backed technology companies in Kendall Square makes it a uniquely dense market where software engineering intersects directly with scientific and academic work.
Related Jobs in Massachusetts
See All 80 Software Engineer Jobs in Cambridge
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