Senior Data Engineer

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: The Data Retrieval, Engineering, Architecture, and Management group is seeking a Data Engineer for an opportunity to develop unique and creative solutions to complex system-level problems. The group works across multiple domains, including strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, space systems, precision guided munitions, autonomous vehicles, and biotechnology systems. This group architects and builds processes to enable Data-as-a-Service for the suppliers and consumers of data within the Digital Engineering Ecosystem, while ensuring quality, protection, and availability of data. We specialize in data definition, storage, retrieval, and related data pipeline development using modern, scalable, and secure capabilities to support needs across the entire system lifecycle. Software and Data Engineers (SMTS) work on multiple projects in an Agile environment, converting customer requirements into functional, scalable software solutions. As a part of the Software Engineering Team, developers will build out software solutions and see a project through from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field. The ideal candidate will have interests and skills in data modeling, database technologies (relational, graph, noSQL), developing data pipelines, and model-based engineering applications such as digital thread and digital twin. The individual will be expected to work effectively both independently and with cross-functional teams. A successful candidate must possess effective communication skills, both written and oral, as the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must. Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities will be required. We strongly value continuous learning and professional growth. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities 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: Required Qualifications : Applicable experience in data engineering principles and tools such as databases, data modeling, SQL, Extract Transform Load (ETL), data pipelines, data warehouses/lakes, etc. Proficiency in configuration management, continuous integration, containerization, and infrastructure & service management (including orchestration, automation, backup/recovery, and cybersecurity) Proficiency in 2 programming languages such as Python, Kotlin, Java, MATLAB, C/C++ Significant Experience with Application Programming Interface (e.g. RESTful API) definition, design, and maintenance for use with web-based user interfaces and automated processes Strong understanding of best practices in coding, data manipulation, storage, and optimization Ability to develop and enforce internal standards for data administration and data system documentation Preferred Qualifications : M.S. degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or related field Experience with relational, graph, and NoSQL databases with ability to identify tradeoffs between these database options Experience with Agile Development best practices Experience utilizing data analytics and data visualization dashboards Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Natural Language Processing Familiarity with digital twin and digital thread architecture and development Familiarity with applying data engineering principles to physical hardware systems and/or Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a 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 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 hrdraper.com.