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Draper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$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 ...

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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$41

How much do draper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,882 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Principal Hardware Instrument Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$95K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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 Principal Hardware Instrumentation Engineer designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacturing of electronics systems for state-of-the-art sensors and actuators used in a wide array of applications. The engineer will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to help shape hardware architectures and lead electronics development activities by applying sound engineering and project management principles.

Job Description:

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Designs new products and develops technical specifications for their production.

  • Analyzes hardware configuration and processing solutions and tests hardware conformance to specifications.

  • Independently drives solutions to complex problems - develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to develop advanced architectures and designs for complex electronics.

  • Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.

  • Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.

  • Ability to manage multi-disciplinary tasks with cross functional teams and effectively communicates status to project leadership and customers.

  • Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced teammates; Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


Skills/Abilities

  • Proficient with schematic capture and printed circuit board layout.

  • Ability to perform circuit simulation using Spice or other simulation tools.

  • System modeling and analysis experience using MATLAB, Simulink, or other comparable tools.

  • Ability to prioritize tasks

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Excellent time management skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Eager to learn new technical skills and expand their depth/technical knowledge.

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.


Experience

10+ years of experience in electrical engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US governement 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 hr@draper.com.