Head of Engineering Programme Management

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. 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 Program Manager 1 is responsible for facilitating and leading program planning and execution across the Air Force Strategic Systems portfolio. The Program Manager will be accountable for managing new programs as well as establishing new programmatic relationships with Draper Air Force Strategic and National Lab customers. Program management candidates will be responsible for ideating and developing coherent and cohesive solution through critical thinking, while managing the timely completion of specific, defined multi discipline programs. Applicants will be expected to be proficient in earned value, risk, and change management. Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of small to medium sized projects/program(s) of moderate complexity.

Own overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations

Establish project/program performance measurement baseline.

Manage and control all phases of programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.

Act as primary customer contact for program activities, managing program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.

Work closely with the supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance

Identify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project 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.

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.

Manage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company's financial policies and processes.

Knowledge of program management tools and processes such as Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and/or Risk/Opportunity/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.

Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

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

5 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required.

Security Clearance

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

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $245,000.00.

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.