Specialist - Software Engineering Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Specialist - Software Engineering jobs in Cambridge, Massachusetts concentrate in Kendall Square, East Cambridge, and the MIT corridor, driven by demand from biotech, life sciences, and enterprise technology firms. Employers actively hiring include Draper, Google, and Lila Sciences. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 89+ Specialist - Software Engineering 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.
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Find JobsSpecialist - Software Engineering Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Draper15
- Google12
- Lila Sciences10
- RTX4
- Akamai Technologies4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Technology & Software
- Artificial Intelligence
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
Specialist - Software Engineering Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a specialist - software engineering job in Cambridge?
Target employers in Kendall Square and East Cambridge, where biotech platforms, health tech companies, and enterprise software firms cluster and hire specialist - software engineering talent consistently. Candidates with experience in cloud infrastructure, data pipelines, or scientific computing tools stand out in Cambridge's research-driven market. Networking through MIT and Harvard connections, local tech meetups, and Cambridge innovation hubs also gives applicants a concrete edge over candidates applying cold.
Which companies hire specialist - software engineerings in Cambridge?
Employers hiring specialist - software engineerings 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 skews heavily toward life sciences platforms, biotech companies, and technology firms with research-and-development operations anchored in Kendall Square.
Are there remote specialist - software engineering jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, specialist - software engineering roles are well-suited to remote and hybrid arrangements given the desk-based, analytical nature of the work. About 62% of specialist - software engineering openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the strong tech and biotech employer base here. Architecture, backend development, and code review responsibilities tend to be most frequently offered with flexible location arrangements by Cambridge employers.
How can I get a specialist - software engineering job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is through co-op programs and contract roles at Kendall Square biotech and health tech companies, which regularly bring on junior engineers to support larger engineering teams. Entry-level positions in QA engineering, software testing, or platform support at Cambridge research institutions and mid-size tech firms serve as strong lateral entry points. Familiarity with Python, cloud tools, or domain-specific frameworks used in life sciences software gives early-career candidates a meaningful advantage in this market.
Which industries hire the most specialist - software engineerings in Cambridge?
Cambridge specialist - software engineering roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Technology & Software, and Artificial Intelligence, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Cambridge's identity as a global hub for biotechnology, pharmaceutical technology, and applied research directly drives demand for specialist - software engineering talent with domain-adjacent technical skills.
Related Jobs in Massachusetts
See All 89 Specialist - Software Engineering Jobs in Cambridge
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