Pros
1) Draper is on a major growth campaign across all sectors 2) As a not-for-profit lab (formerly the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory), it can compete for work in both defense and civilian sectors that are not available to FFRDC and UARC labs/centers. 3) The matrix-like structure of Draper reduces barriers to interdisciplinary and inter-program collaborations. 4) Draper manages leading-edge programs in both engineering and life sciences areas with the major sponsors of research and development in both the defense and civilian sectors. 5) Career development and skills growth is strongly supported, and tuition reimbursement is provided for pursuing graduate degrees in areas relevant to Draper. 6) This is a highly collaborative environment where team skills matter a great deal. 7) Options for work-from-home or hybrid arrangements (occasional/periodic in-office work) are flexible and can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. 8) Draper matches 2-for-1 ($2 from Draper for each $1 from the employee) to the 403b retirement plan up to a specified cap. The overall benefits package is superior to what you will find in most other firms.
Cons
The Cambridge location for most positions can be a challenge in terms of commuting and cost of housing. However, the MBTA commuter rail network and the T (subway) as well as the bus system offer many options for public transit and make it possible to live a considerable distance from Boston-Cambridge and still commute by rail. Draper provides a subsidy for rail commuting.