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Draper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Draper Scholars Experience The Draper Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for post-graduate students to conduct their research under the supervision of both a university faculty ...

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 ...

Draper

Boston, MA

$65K - $70K/yr

Boston Ballet seeks a full-time Draper to start work in mid-September to lead a team of three in constructing, fitting, and refurbishing costumes for professional ballet productions. This is an ...

Therapist-Draper

Draper, UT · On-site

$70K/yr

We are seeking a licensed clinical psychotherapist to join our Draper, Utah, Clinic. * Must be fully licensed in the state of Utah (the company is unable to provide supervision) * Make a difference:

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 ...

Boston Ballet seeks a full-time Draper to start work in mid-September to lead a team of three in constructing, fitting, and refurbishing costumes for professional ballet productions. This is an ...

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 ...

Market Intelligence Intern

Reston, VA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

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 ...

Draper

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Boston Ballet seeks a full-time Draper to start work in mid-September to lead a team of three in constructing, fitting, and refurbishing costumes for professional ballet productions. This is an ...

Cyber Threat Investigator 2

Reston, VA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

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 ...

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Draper information

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How much do draper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for draper in the United States is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Draper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Draper, you need strong skills in fabric measurement, cutting, garment fitting, and a good understanding of textiles, often supported by vocational training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with pattern-making tools, sewing machines, and related software like CAD systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication with clients and team members are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure the precise creation of garments, efficient workflow, and high customer satisfaction in the tailoring and fashion industry.

What are some common challenges faced by drapers when working on complex garment designs?

Drapers often encounter challenges when translating intricate design concepts into wearable garments, especially with unconventional fabrics or avant-garde silhouettes. Balancing the designer's vision with the technical limitations of fabric drape, structure, and movement requires advanced problem-solving skills. Additionally, collaborating closely with patternmakers and tailors to ensure the final piece maintains both aesthetic appeal and functionality is a critical aspect of the role. Adaptability and strong communication are key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering high-quality results.

What are drapers?

Drapers are professionals who specialize in selling cloth and textiles, or in the design and cutting of fabric for garments. Traditionally, a draper worked in a shop, advising customers on fabric choices and often providing custom tailoring services. In modern contexts, the term may also refer to experts in draping fabric on mannequins to create clothing patterns, especially in the fashion industry. Drapers play an important role in both retail and design, ensuring customers or designers receive the right materials for their needs.

What is the difference between Draper vs Machinist?

AspectDraperMachinist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship often preferredHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or industrial settings, often involving assembly or fabricatingMachine shops, manufacturing plants, working with lathes, mills, and other precision tools
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial sectorsCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors

Both Drapers and Machinists work in manufacturing environments, often requiring technical training or apprenticeships. While Drapers may focus on fabricating and assembling textiles or related materials, Machinists specialize in operating machine tools to produce precise metal parts. Their roles overlap in manufacturing industries, but their specific skills and tools differ significantly.

What Is a Draper?

A draper usually works on fashion designs or costumes for theater and films. Typically, a draper works with the sketches of a fashion or costume designer, creating the outfits by draping the clothing over a form. You then oversee the necessary cutting and sewing. This type of fitting is an alternative to using measurements and patterns, and allows the designer to see the fashion piece before final construction. In broader terms, the duties of a draper are to act as the designer’s representative during tailoring and assist in the production of clothing/costumes.

What cities are hiring for Draper jobs? Cities with the most Draper job openings:
What states have the most Draper jobs? States with the most job openings for Draper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Draper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Draper jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Draper jobs? For Draper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Draper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,882 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Draper Scholars Experience

The Draper Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for post-graduate students to conduct their research under the supervision of both a university faculty advisor and a Draper technical staff supervisor in an area of mutual interest. Scholars benefit not only from immersion in their university's academic research environment, but also from leveraging Draper's collective knowledgeand experience, facilities, and resources. Draper Scholars work closely with Draper technical staff to solve real-world problems, to develop state-of-the-art technologies in world-class laboratories, and to publish their scholarly outputs in top-tier journals and conference presentations. Projects range from advanced theoretical work to testing prototypes in fielded implementations. The Program supports both Masters and PhD students in thesis-bearing technical degree programs.

The Draper ScholarProgram provides structured additional professional development opportunities for students to complement and supplement their research experiences. Additionally, Scholars have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor drawn from Program alumni to leverage the Draper Scholars network.

Participating universities:

  • Boston University

  • Brown University

  • George Mason University

  • Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Harvard University

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Northeastern University

  • Purdue University

  • Rice University

  • Texas A&M University

  • Tufts University

  • University of Colorado, Boulder

  • University of Massachusetts, Lowell

  • University of Michigan

  • University of South Florida

  • University of Utah

  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Department/degree programs:

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Electrical Engineering/Electrical & Computer Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Nuclear Engineering

  • Operations Research

  • Physics

  • Other programs also may be included

While Draper scholars are not Draper employees, we would like to make you aware that 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Draper is seeking high-performing Draper Scholars at the Masters or PhD level to perform technical research aligned with a Draper Research Whitepaper (Draper Scholars Program | Draper).

  • The Scholar is required to generate a detailed Research Statement Work (SOW) and conduct timely research work in accordance with the SOW resulting in a university-approved thesis within the time constraints of the Draper Scholar Program (2-yrs for a MS; 5-yrs for a PhD).

  • The Scholar is required to participate as an active member of a collaborative research team including their Draper Supervisor and their Faculty Advisor. The Scholar is required to communicate regularly with their research team on progress and challenges in achieving the desired outcomes defined in the SOW. The Scholar is also required to communicate regularly with the Draper Education Office regarding progress, changes in status and any challenges to successful completion of the program.

  • The Scholar is encouraged to publish research results, as appropriate, in technical conferences and technical journals.

  • The Scholar may participate in other professional development activities as determined in conjunction with the Draper Supervisor and the Faculty Advisor.

  • The Scholar is required to follow the policy and procedures of the Draper Scholar program. The Scholar is encouraged to participate in regular Draper Scholar meetings and the annual Draper Research Symposium.

  • Draper Scholar Program supports thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in technical areas of mutual interest to Draper and the partner university in engineering and the sciences

  • All Draper Scholars must complete a thesis or thesis-equivalent work product


Required Qualifications:

  • Be a US Citizen

  • Must be enrolled in a thesis-bearing research degree at a partner university at the time of the start of the Scholarship. Must maintain the status of a student in good standing at the partner university in that thesis bearing degree program

  • Hold a Bachelor's degree at the time of matriculation

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Willingness to work with both Draper supervisor and the university Faculty Advisor on a topic of mutual interest

  • Skills commensurate with the thesis project and the desired degree

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, to both peers and to senior management

  • Enthusiasm to work in a team-oriented setting

Notes:

  • Draper Scholar Program supports thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in technical areas of mutual interest to Draper and the partner university in engineering and the sciences

  • All Draper Scholars must complete a thesis or thesis-equivalent work product