Systems Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Systems Engineer jobs in Cambridge, Massachusetts are concentrated in Kendall Square, East Cambridge, and the MIT corridor, where demand from defense contractors, life sciences firms, and tech companies keeps openings active year-round. Employers hiring right now include Draper, Lila Sciences, and Nanobiosym. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Systems Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 27+ Systems 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 27 Systems Engineer Jobs in Cambridge
Find roles in Cambridge that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer JobsSystems Engineer Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Draper17
- Lila Sciences5
- Nanobiosym2
- Apple1
- LangChain1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Consulting & Professional Services
Systems Engineer Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a systems engineer job in Cambridge?
Focus your search on Kendall Square and East Cambridge, where defense contractors, biotech companies, and research-driven tech firms cluster. Employers in Cambridge tend to value hands-on experience with complex systems integration, familiarity with government or regulated environments, and the ability to work alongside research teams. Tailoring your application to show cross-functional technical work gives you a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire systems engineers in Cambridge?
Cambridge systems engineer roles are posted by Draper, Lila Sciences, and Nanobiosym and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Cambridge attracts a mix of large defense primes, university-affiliated research organizations, and venture-backed hardware and life sciences companies, all of which hire systems engineers at multiple levels.
Are there remote systems engineer jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role. Systems engineering work that involves physical hardware, lab environments, or classified facilities is typically on-site, while model-based systems engineering, documentation, and analysis work can be done remotely. About 50% of systems engineer openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the most flexibility found in software-defined systems and enterprise architecture roles at Cambridge tech companies.
How can I get a systems engineer job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is through a junior or associate systems engineer role at one of the many defense or aerospace contractors based in Kendall Square and East Cambridge, several of which recruit directly from MIT and Harvard. Internships or co-ops at these firms convert into full-time offers regularly. Gaining familiarity with model-based systems engineering tools and contributing to open-source hardware or systems projects strengthens an entry-level profile considerably.
Which industries hire the most systems engineers in Cambridge?
The sectors hiring the most systems engineers in Cambridge are Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Cambridge's dense concentration of defense contractors, biotech firms, and university research spinouts creates consistent demand for systems engineers who can work at the intersection of hardware, software, and regulated technical environments.
Related Jobs in Massachusetts
See All 27 Systems Engineer Jobs in Cambridge
Find roles in Cambridge that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer Jobs