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Draper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level RF Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$62K - $140K/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 ...

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 ...

Electrician

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$52.61/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 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 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 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 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 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 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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$9

$18

$41

How much do draper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,882 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Group Lead-System Integration & Test II with Security Clearance

Group Lead-System Integration & Test II with Security Clearance

Draper

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$52.25 - $71.25/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

New


Job description

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 Integration & Test Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is seeking a Group Leader to lead our System Integration & Test 2 Group. The Division serves as the system integrator for technologies and product lines developed using Draper's core capabilities. The Division plans, executes, and manages I&T activities starting from early test concept development through system certification. This includes functional simulation, technology maturation, system and sub-system integration, verification and validation (V&V), performance evaluation, and acceptance testing. In addition, the Division leverages multi-disciplinary engineering expertise and collaborates with front-end Systems Engineers and the Digital Engineering & Enabling Technologies Division to establish clear, verifiable, and traceable requirements, inform and drive system concepts, architectures, and designs to promote testability, and utilizes resident expertise and lessons learned to support the development of highly reliable, robust, and complex systems. Responsibilities: The primary focus of the System Integration & Test 2 Group is to plan and conduct the integration and testing (development, acceptance, verification, qualification) of complex systems across a broad application space. The group supports all of Draper's business areas to ensure that we deliver verified and validated systems to our customers. The group supports projects throughout the development lifecycle. Early planning is necessary to provide inputs on testability of requirements and provide feedback on designs to ensure ease of integration. Integration support includes development of hardware, software, cabling and documentation of the design. The Group Leader is responsible for leading and managing a group of approximately 15-20 engineers who have technical and domain expertise related to the group's focus areas and can provide the highest level of support to our customers. The continual advancement of Draper's expertise in developing and maturing the most advanced technologies is a key focus of the Group Leader. To that end, the Group Leader is expected to: • Ensure the long-term success of the group, and its contributions to Draper, by shaping the group's talented workforce, while maintaining and developing key, differentiating capabilities that align with customer and business needs. • Collaborate regularly with internal group members, Draper Program Offices, Customers/Sponsors, other Draper engineering groups, and the external technical community. • Partner with Customers/Sponsors, Draper Program Managers and subject matter experts within Draper to develop and implement strategic plans and technology roadmaps. • Promote and direct internal and external R&D activities, including development and alignment of research proposals with technology roadmaps, collaborations with universities and direction of scholar, co-op, and internships cohorts. • Support and enable the technical and career growth of individual staff members by performing check-in reviews and annual performance reviews, as well as advocating for leadership, mentorship, and training opportunities. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities * Manage administrative details and career development for group members.
* Convey relevant information from management to group members.
* Lead, mentor, build depth in their area of expertise, and conduct performance evaluations of group members.
* Maintain awareness of staffing requirements, write job requisitions (responsibilities and qualifications) for hiring as required, review and disposition incoming resumes, conduct interviews.
* Serve as Lead Subject Matter Expert for area of specialty.
* Shape Draper's technology offerings and open new business areas based on program and technical experience.
* Analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas that align Draper's capabilities with customers' strategic priorities.
* Maintain cognizance of group member activity and address issues.
* Conduct performance evaluations of group members. Skills/Abilities * Excellent communication and written skills.
* Excellent ability with presenting technical material to various levels of the engineering organization and customers.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
* Strong ability to supervise a team of 10-20. Education
Requires a degree in Engineering or related discipline. Experience
7+ years of experience in the engineering; design, development, and management of complex systems. Additional Job Description: Preferred Qualifications: * Experience leading and conducting electromechanical systems integration and test
* Technical leadership experience, serving as a Technical Director, Task Leader, or Principal Investigator in the development of new technologies or applications
* Demonstrated ability to present complex data in a compelling manner both verbally and visually
* Experience leading or contributing to technical and cost proposals
* Interest and/or experience in technology and market trends
* Existing (active) US Government Security Clearance
Security Requirement: * 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: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00 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 .