Program Manager

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.

The Strategic Systems Program office is seeking a Program Manager responsible for overseeing the execution of multiple medium to large sized Production Subcontracts of considerable complexity across the Program’s Supply Chain. Management includes leading proposals, budget negotiations, performance monitoring against rigorous cost/schedule milestones, and full lifecycle support.

• Own overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations for medium to large sized projects/program(s) of considerable complexity.
• Establish project/program performance measurement baseline.
• Develop, implement and update resource allocation plans. Work with functional organizations to effectively recruit, retain and develop key talent for the business.
• Manage and control all phases of projects/programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Act as primary customer contact for program activities, managing project/program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain organization in management of suppliers and monitor ongoing performance.
• Identify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project/program opportunities, risks, and issues in terms of cost, schedule, technical elements and deliverables.
• Establish strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs and expectations against plans. Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers.
• Provide leadership oversight for the team creating an open, positive, inclusive environment to maintain high team morale.
• Participate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables and changes.
• Deploy appropriate quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System and customer requirements.
• Coordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support current and future growth of the business portfolio.
• Manage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company’s policies and processes.
• Ensure effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders as well as impactful presentations.

• Advanced knowledge of project/program management tools and processes such as Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and/or Opportunity/Risk/Issue Management.
• Experience working government projects/programs with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external.
• Able to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals.
• Able to implement continuous improvement across projects/programs and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
• Ability to travel on an as needed basis.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and/or new applications.
• Experience executing programs through all product life cycles.
• Ability to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder.
• Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.
• Knowledge and proven track record of successful business interaction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

• Bachelor’s degree (major in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred)

• 7 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Top Secret Clearance is required.

Job Location:

Cambridge, Massachusetts,

Salary Range: $100,000 – $250,000

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