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Draper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Science and Technology (S&T) Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$106K - $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 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 ...

Security Guard - Per Diem

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$15 - $225/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 ...

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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.

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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.
Principal Digital Engineering Model Governance Lead with Security Clearance

Principal Digital Engineering Model Governance Lead with Security Clearance

Draper

Cambridge, MA

$95K - $245K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


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: A System Modeling & Simulation Engineer (DMTS) designs, develops, validates, and maintains dynamic simulations and infrastructure for rapid assessment, integration, and test of complex systems. Simulation applications range from high-level behavioral simulations for visualization and evaluation of system concepts to high-fidelity real-time simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop infrastructure to support development, integration, test, and sustainment of systems and software. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities
• Architect, integrate, verify and validate system-level simulations in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.
• May lead small to mediums size team of engineers as assigned. • Develop simulation CONOPs, use cases, and requirements.
• Design a simulation architecture, including internal and external interfaces, facilities, infrastructure, and models, to satisfy requirements,
• Write and automate test plans.
• Develop real-time hardware interfaces, integrate legacy software models, and develop new software models.
• Acts as a subject matter expert in System Modeling and Simulation engineering.
• Integrate 3D visualization tools.
• Develop and maintain an in house real-time software framework.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with analytical methods, approaches, and data visualization.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly understand and integrate new software APIs
• Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software and hardware integration issues
• Ability to develop systems with human factors, UI/UX, usability requirements.
• Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences. Education
Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field. PhD. preferred. Experience
10-15 years of Systems Engineering or related experience.
• Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting
• Significant experience with C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink. Additional Job Description: 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 .