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
This role involves working with extremely small, delicate components under magnification, requiring a level of precision and control often found in watchmaking, fine instrument repair, or micro-mechanical assembly. You’ll perform detailed adjustments, calibration, and assembly of intricate mechanisms where even the slightest variation can impact overall system performance.
Top performers in this role develop an intuitive feel for their work, often able to sense when a mechanism is precisely calibrated, even at a microscopic level.
“What You’ll Do”
● Perform high-precision assembly and adjustment of electro-mechanical systems at a micro scale.
● Work under microscopes to assemble, align, and calibrate delicate components.
● Execute fine mechanical adjustments requiring steady hand control and tactile sensitivity.
● Support precision tuning, calibration, and performance validation of complex mechanisms.
● Inspect and verify components using precision measurement tools to ensure tight tolerances.
● Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and refine intricate assemblies
Tools & Equipment You May Work With:
● Microscopes and magnification equipment
● Precision measurement tools (micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, gauge blocks)
● Surface plates and comparators
● Fine hand tools for micro-assembly and adjustment
● Rotary tools or small-scale lathes
● Measurement and inspection systems for tight-tolerance components
This role is an onsite position and is not eligible for remote work or relocation.
Duties/Responsibilities
• With limited or no supervision, carefully documents their own work consistent with work unit policy in handwritten form or using common computer-based software.
• Performs scientific experiments and/or tests with complex laboratory equipment independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Applies analytic and test experience in the execution of acceptance procedures independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Programs computer controlled automated and semi-automated equipment.
• At the discretion of the supervisor, performs focused training to grow and enhance skills for betterment of the department or the Laboratory as a whole.
• As needed, mentor, train or supervise more junior technicians.
• Other temporary assignments at the discretion of the supervisor.
Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Applications; MS Windows, Word, Excel etc.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Possess highly specialized skills for production for assigned work area.
• Possess a high degree of attention to detail.
Experience
• Requires graduation from a two year technical school.
There is no years of applicable experience in lieu of education requirement.
Education
Requires at least 10 years of applicable experience.
Additional Job Description:
Nice to Have:
● Experience in watchmaking, horology, or fine instrument repair
● Background working with mechanical movements (manual or automatic), precision timing, or micro-mechanical systems
● Familiarity with fine adjustments requiring tactile feedback and high attention to detail
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
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$53.92 - $53.92
Our 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
We Engineer Solutions for the Nation’s Toughest Problems
As an independent nonprofit engineering innovation company, Draper provides engineering services directly to government, industry, and academia. We work on teams as prime contractors or subcontractors and participate as collaborators in consortia.
Our strong commitment to delivering working solutions allows us to apply ourselves to a variety of domains from space to undersea — and many areas in between.
