Full-Time

Computer Network Operations Software Engineer

Multiple Teams

Draper

Draper

1,001-5,000 employees

Independent nonprofit engineering firm for government

Compensation Overview

$75k - $156k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

Cambridge, MA, USA + 1 more

More locations: Reston, VA, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid work is available in Reston and Cambridge.

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Rust
Python
Reverse Engineering
Microsoft Windows
Operating Systems
Version Control
Cybersecurity
Vulnerability Analysis
Go
C/C++

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Requirements
  • Three to five years of experience in cybersecurity or a related field is required.
  • A curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multidisciplinary team is required.
  • The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multidisciplinary program team members, program leadership, and nontechnical personnel is required.
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple competing tasks and demands is required.
  • Proficiency in developing kernel modules, drivers, or firmware for Windows, GNU/Linux, real-time operating systems, or UEFI/BIOS is required.
  • Proficiency in implementing hypervisor internals, including virtual-machine lifecycle management and hardware emulation, is required.
  • Proficiency in crafting custom bootloaders or firmware instrumentation for forensic data collection, such as UEFI, is required.
  • Proficiency in techniques that prevent reverse engineering and employ obfuscation or diversification is required.
  • Proficiency with the core workings of operating systems, including user mode, kernel mode, and boot processes, particularly in Windows, GNU/Linux, or real-time operating system contexts, is required.
  • Proficiency in analyzing operating-system internals for forensic evidence extraction is required.
  • Proficiency in reverse engineering closed-source hypervisors, firmware, or operating-system components to uncover system artifacts is required.
  • Proficiency in dissecting memory management, interrupt handling, and system calls for forensic traces or anomaly detection is required.
  • Proficiency in capturing and analyzing memory dumps, crash reports, and runtime logs from operating-system and hypervisor environments is required.
  • Proficiency in BIOS/UEFI forensic analysis focused on firmware modifications, bootkits, or tampered configurations is required.
  • Proficiency in utilizing system internals to identify persistence mechanisms, hidden processes, or kernel-level rootkits is required.
  • Proficiency with programming languages and their build systems such as C, C++, Python, GoLang, and Rust is required.
  • Proficiency with software version control systems is required.
  • A successful history of authoring technical proposals and documents is required.
  • Proficiency in teamwork and communication with diverse audiences is required.
Responsibilities
  • Assess hardware and software for security vulnerabilities using a breadth of technologies and techniques.
  • Develop software that meets behavior and security requirements for tailored applications.
  • Integrate software capabilities with other tasks or groups to improve performance or behavior requirements.
  • Create new tools and systems to detect and exploit vulnerabilities and system weaknesses.
  • Document nominal application and system functionality, in addition to implemented changes.
  • 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.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Leadership in advanced research and development initiatives, including government-funded projects.
  • Leadership of critical programs with more than two full-time staff members.

Draper is a nonprofit engineering organization that provides engineering services to government, industry, and academia, working as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or collaborator in consortia across domains from space to undersea. It tackles client needs by assembling interdisciplinary teams that turn complex concepts into working systems, building prototypes, verifying performance, and deploying usable solutions. Unlike for-profit competitors, Draper focuses on mission-driven, practical results and collaborates deeply with government, industry, and academia, using a mix of contracting and consortium participation to access diverse projects without relying on monetization. Its goal is to engineer and deliver validated systems that address the nation’s toughest problems through collaborative, mission-driven engineering.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$26M

Headquarters

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded

1973

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • January 26, 2026 ATSP5 selection gives Draper access to defense microelectronics demand.
  • ARPA-H awarded up to $26.7 million on February 24, 2026 for CATALYST.
  • July 27, 2026 Brennan hire strengthens strategy around strategic systems and government relationships.

What critics are saying

  • ERISA litigation survived dismissal on February 17, 2026, exposing retirement-plan governance failures.
  • ATSP5 competition is brutal; ten winners chase a 10-year, $25.3 billion ceiling.
  • IMPACT Center execution slips until late 2028, delaying promised Lowell capacity and jobs.

What makes Draper unique

  • Draper combines national-security systems work with in-house microelectronics manufacturing and biotech R&D.
  • Its nonprofit structure keeps mission alignment with government customers, not quarterly shareholder pressure.
  • DraperSPARX and university partnerships, including UML and Yale, feed talent and innovation.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Remote Work Options

Wellness Program

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

8%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

8%
Draper
Jul 27th, 2026
Edward Brennan joins Draper's strategy leadership team.

Edward Brennan joins Draper's strategy leadership team. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Draper today announced the addition of Edward Brennan to its strategy team. As Principal Director of Strategic Implementation and Planning, Brennan will be responsible for advancing the company's strategic initiatives and translating organizational vision into executable plans that advance Draper's mission of solving the nation's most challenging technical problems. "Ed provides a deep understanding of Draper's national security customers as well as the technologies needed to sustain and modernize our strategic systems," said Brandi Vann, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Draper. "His insights and experience will help shape our business and technical strategy to better meet the needs of our customers." "I'm excited to join Draper and work alongside some of the brightest minds to help solve our nation's most pressing challenges," said Brennan. "It's an honor to become a part of Draper's rich legacy of technical excellence and world-class innovation, and I look forward to learning from the incredible people around me while contributing to our collective mission." Brennan brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning military service, national security policy, strategic deterrence, technology development, and enterprise strategy. Prior to joining Draper, he supported the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration as a Senior Weapons Advisor and Senior Program Manager, providing strategic counsel on nuclear deterrence, weapons policy, and national security priorities. Earlier in his career, he served as a U.S. Air Force officer in operational, command, and senior staff assignments. Throughout his career, Brennan has operated at the intersection of technology, strategy, and mission execution - helping organizations align complex technical capabilities with national security objectives. He has led cross-functional teams, developed strategic initiatives, and built partnerships across government, industry, and the defense community to advance mission outcomes. His experience includes operational military leadership, defense acquisition, strategic planning, international engagement, and support to senior Department of Defense and Department of Energy leaders responsible for national security policy, strategic deterrence, and defense capabilities. Brennan holds degrees in applied mathematics, business, military strategy, and national security strategy. He is passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and translating innovative ideas into measurable mission impact. About Draper Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation's most important challenges. With more than 2,600 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet its customers' requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend its legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX(TM) seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further its mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Follow Draper on Linked In and Instagram. Released July 27, 2026

Draper
May 13th, 2026
Draper spotlights 11 undergraduate engineering projects in Capstone Projects Research Exhibition.

Draper spotlights 11 undergraduate engineering projects in Capstone Projects Research Exhibition. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Draper held its annual Capstone Projects Research Exhibition on April 29 at its corporate campus in Cambridge. This year's event featured key findings from 11 undergraduate engineering projects completed during the 2025-2026 academic year. The goal of the Capstone Program is to provide students with hands-on experience solving complex, constraint-driven problems. Draper partners with universities on projects to expand educational outreach, strengthen connections with students and faculty, and explore innovative solutions aligned with real-world needs. The 43 students participating in this year's exhibition represented six universities: Boston University, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the University of Rhode Island, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The projects ranged from system design concepts and workforce optimization to edge computing and collaboration for unmanned air and ground vehicles. "At Draper, we're driven by solving meaningful problems, and it's exciting to see that same mindset reflected in these outstanding student projects," said Corin Williams, a biomedical engineer at Draper. "The talent and ingenuity on display at this year's exhibition was so impressive. It's inspiring to see the next generation of engineers already tackling challenges that matter to Draper and the world." Each of the teams' posters were judged for the clarity of the project intent, the process of inquiry, the graphic content, and the project's results and conclusions. The teams were also scored for their presentation skills and question and answer responses. The top three projects were: * Project ASTRA: Automated Staff-to-Role Assigner Optimization-Driven Staffing (University of Massachusetts Lowell) * Drone-Augmented Ground Sensors for Area Denial (U.S. Military Academy at West Point) * UAV-UGV Collaboration for Sustained Mapping & Navigation (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) Since its inception, Draper has actively supported the next generation of technical leaders in science, technology, engineering and math through its education programs. Draper's university partnerships bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. In addition to the Capstone Projects, the Draper Scholars Program provides master's and Ph.D. students with the opportunity to engage and work with experienced engineers and scientists while conducting graduate-level research in technical fields of mutual interest. Since its creation in 1973, the program has supported more than 1,300 graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in engineering and the sciences. Over the past three years, the Draper Scholars program has grown from 55 to 115 participants. To learn more about the program, visit the Draper Scholars Program webpage. "Draper's core commitment to promoting and supporting advanced technical education for more than 50 years as an independent not-for-profit, and for more than 90 years in total, is unmatched. We are extremely proud that students at all levels have always been an integral part of Draper," said Chris Yu, Draper Scholars Program Director. About Draper Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation's most important challenges. With more than 2,500 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet its customers' requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend its legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX(TM) seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further its mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Follow Draper on Linked In and Instagram. Released May 13, 2026

National Today
Apr 17th, 2026
Draper Asset Management boosts Reddit stake by 95% to $3.75M

Draper Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Reddit Inc. by 95% during the fourth quarter, according to an SEC filing submitted on 17 April 2026. The investment firm now owns 16,323 shares worth approximately $3.75 million, representing about 2% of its total portfolio. The firm acquired an additional 7,953 shares during the quarter. Several other institutional investors have also been trading Reddit shares in recent quarters, indicating ongoing interest in the platform. The investment signals continued institutional confidence in Reddit's growth potential despite broader tech sector headwinds. The social media platform remains attractive to investors seeking exposure to the online community space as it expands its user base and offerings.

Intelligence Community News
Mar 3rd, 2026
Brandi Vann tapped as Draper CSO

Brandi Vann tapped as Draper CSO. 0 Comments On February 26, Draper named Brandi Vann, PhD, its new vice president and chief strategy officer, effective March 7. In this role, Vann will lead Draper's annual strategy and business planning process, oversee the company's business intelligence functions, coordinate legislative engagements, support the Draper SPARX program, and lead Draper's New Business Council. Vann reports to Draper's President and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Wohletz, PhD, and serves on the company's executive leadership team. "Brandi has a broad understanding of Draper's national security customers and the technical and programmatic challenges they face," said Wohletz. "Her insights and experience will help shape our business and technical strategy to better meet the needs of these customers." Vann joined Draper's strategy office in 2025 as principal director of strategic implementation and planning. In this role she worked closely with the company's four business units and engineering teams to ensure their alignment with Draper's vision and strategy. Prior to joining Draper, Vann was the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence and Chemical and Biological Defense Policy and Programs (ASD(ND-CBD)) and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs (PDASD(NCB)). In this capacity, she supported Department of Defense activities to ensure a safe, secure, effective, and modernized U.S. nuclear deterrent against weapons of mass destruction threats while also providing defense capabilities against weapons of mass destruction and ensuring compliance with international NCB treaties and agreements. In 2023, Vann was awarded the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award for her tremendous career in the Defense Department including her support and transformation of the biodefense national security mission. Keep up with your competitors by following notable executive moves across the IC contracting space - become a paid subscriber to IC News.

PR Newswire
Mar 3rd, 2026
Draper joins ARPA-H-funded SCALE team to develop real-time air quality detection for schools

Draper has joined the Strategic Control of bioAerosols in Learning Environments (SCALE) team, funded by ARPA-H's BREATHE program, to develop real-time systems for detecting and reducing indoor air hazards. Led by Poppy Health, the multidisciplinary team includes academic institutions and industry partners. The SCALE system will integrate advanced biosensors using amplification-free genetic detection, respiratory risk assessment software based on ASHRAE 241 standards, and automated air handling systems. The technology aims to identify airborne allergens, moulds, bacteria and viruses in real time whilst adjusting building systems to mitigate exposure. The system will initially deploy in three or more school districts across different climate zones, focusing on communities with disproportionate health burdens. It is designed to be low-cost, adaptable and scalable across various building types.