Sr. NPI Manufacturing Engineer

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.

At Draper, we apply cutting‑edge science and engineering to solve our nation’s most challenging problems in strategic systems, space systems, biotechnology, and electronic systems. Our Operations team plays a critical role in bringing these innovations from concept to reality. We are seeking an NPI Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Operations organization. This role will serve as the bridge between Production, Supply Chain, and Program teams, ensuring operational excellence from proposal, development through LRIP (low–rate initial production).

• Lead operations support for programs across the product lifecycle, with a focus on emerging programs.
• Own operations content in proposals, including cost, schedule, basis of estimates for proposals and manufacturing approaches, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with NPI requirements.
• Serve as the primary interface between operations and assigned programs, driving execution for all operations scope activities.
• Support production readiness by leading manufacturing planning, bid and proposal inputs, PFMECA, design for manufacturing considerations, tooling and fixturing plans, limited life material plan, and production readiness reviews (PRR).
• Partner with supply chain teams to confirm procurement plans, document make/buy decisions, and establish complete supplier Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Evaluate supplier Manufacturing Readiness Package (MRP) to support make/buy decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement into operations activities, advancing efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

• Strong understanding of NPI and transition‑to‑production practices.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally (manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality) with competing priorities.
• Experience developing and managing manufacturing plans, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Knowledge of defense/aerospace hardware production is a plus.

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.

• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience.
• 3+ years of program management experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, or engineering.
• Proven success managing programs through the full product lifecycle.

• Applicants must obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

City:
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563.
Base salary range for this full‑time position: $82,300.00 – $. Salary is determined by role, level, and location and is based on job‑related skills, experience, and education. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact