Group Lead - Mission

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees tackle national challenges with solutions in military defense, space exploration, biomedical engineering, and many other domains. The multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

As part of the Software Engineering Division, the Intelligent Mission Applications Group focuses on generation and analysis of software requirements, system software architectures, component decomposition, implementation, unit testing, and delivery of integrated software products. The group applies deep expertise in complex avionics architectures, mission‑critical software, multi‑core processors, GPUs, modern computing hardware, microkernels, OSAL implementation, secure boot loaders, and overall system security.

It develops reliable, robust software for systems such as hypersonic weapons, autonomous and collaborative systems, integrated air & missile defense, global strike and power projection, and other critical national security platforms.

• Ensure the long‑term success of the group by shaping a talented workforce and developing key, differentiating capabilities that align with customer and business needs.
• Collaborate regularly with internal group members, Draper Program Offices, Customers/Sponsors, other Draper engineering groups, and the external technical community.
• Partner with Customers/Sponsors, Draper Program Managers, and subject matter experts to develop and implement strategic plans and technology roadmaps.
• Promote and direct internal and external R&D activities, including developing research proposals aligned with technology roadmaps, collaborating with universities, and guiding scholar, coop, and internship cohorts.
• Support technical and career growth of staff through check‑in reviews, annual performance reviews, and advocacy for leadership, mentorship, and training opportunities.
• Manage administrative details and career development for group members.
• Convey relevant information from management to group members.
• Lead, mentor, and build depth in team members’ areas of expertise while conducting performance evaluations.
• Maintain awareness of staffing requirements; write job requisitions; review incoming resumes; conduct interviews.
• Serve as Lead Subject Matter Expert for area of specialty.
• Shape Draper’s technology offerings and open new business areas based on program and technical experience.
• Analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas that align with customers’ strategic priorities.

• Excellent communication and written skills.
• Strong ability to present technical material to various levels of the engineering organization and customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.
• Strong ability to supervise a team of 10–20.

• Requires a degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5–7 years of experience in engineering design, development, and management of complex systems.
• Prior experience leading medium and large teams through full‑lifecycle development of embedded software, preferably in mission‑critical or safety‑critical systems.

• Applicants must obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance required.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563 (United States)

The base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper provides equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact