Group Leader–System Level Electromechanical Integration & Test

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

The Integration & Test Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is seeking a Group Leader to lead our System Level Electromechanical Integration & Test 2 Group. The Division serves as the system integrator for technologies and product lines developed using Draper’s core capabilities. It plans, executes, and manages I&T activities from early test concept development through system certification, including functional simulation, technology maturation, system and sub‑system integration, verification and validation (V&V), performance evaluation, and acceptance testing.

The Division 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, and support the development of highly reliable, robust, and complex systems.

• Plan and conduct the integration and testing of complex electromechanical systems across all Draper business areas.
• Provide early planning input on testability of requirements and feedback on designs to ensure ease of integration.
• Develop hardware, software, cabling, and documentation for integration support.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a group of approximately 15‑20 engineers, fostering a high‑performing team culture.
• Shape the group’s workforce and capabilities to align with customer and business needs.
• Build and implement strategic plans and technology roadmaps with customers, sponsors, and program managers.
• Promote internal and external R&D activities, including research proposals, university collaborations, and scholar, co‑op, and internship programs.
• Support and enable the technical and career growth of staff through check‑in reviews, annual performance reviews, mentorship, and training opportunities.
• Write job requisitions, review resumes, conduct interviews, and manage staffing requirements.
• Serve as lead subject‑matter expert for your area of specialty.
• Align Draper’s capabilities with customer strategic priorities and shape technology offerings.
• Maintain awareness of group member activity, address issues, and conduct performance evaluations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills for various levels of engineering organizations and customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to supervise a team of 10‑20 individuals.

Requires a degree in Engineering or a related discipline.

7+ years of experience in the engineering design, development, and management of complex systems.

• Experience leading and conducting electromechanical systems integration and test.
• Technical leadership experience as a Technical Director, Task Leader, or Principal Investigator.
• Ability to present complex data compellingly, both verbally and visually.
• Experience contributing to technical and cost proposals.
• Interest or experience in technology and market trends.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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 equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment and its programs and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please contact