Program Manger 2

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. With over 2,000 employees, Draper tackles national challenges across military defense, space exploration, biomedical engineering, and more, delivering successful, usable solutions through multidisciplinary, collaborative teams.

About the role

Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of medium‑to‑large sized projects/programs of considerable complexity, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance targets are met while exceeding customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, meeting cost, schedule, and technical performance targets.
• Establish project/program performance measurement baselines.
• Develop, implement, and update resource allocation plans.
• Recruit, retain, and develop key talent across functional organizations.
• Manage all phases of projects/programs from inception through completion.
• Act as primary customer contact, leading review sessions and ensuring scope and technical requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to manage suppliers and monitor performance.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate opportunities, risks, and issues.
• Build strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs with plans.
• Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers.
• Provide leadership that fosters an open, positive, inclusive environment.
• Participate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables, and changes.
• Deploy quality control and assurance processes in line with the Quality Management System and customer requirements.
• Coordinate win strategies, competitive captures, and compliant proposals.
• Ensure effective oral and written communications and impactful presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of project/program management tools and processes (Earned Value Management, Integrated Master Plan/Schedule, Opportunity/Risk/Issue Management).
• Experience with government projects/programs and direct customer interfaces.
• Ability to work with functional organizations to achieve execution and business goals.
• Proven continuous‑improvement implementation across projects/programs.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Quick learner of new technologies and applications.
• Experience executing programs through full product lifecycles.
• Strong relationship‑building, persuasive, and networking skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and networking abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Bachelor’s degree (engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry.
• Current/in‑scope Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain program‑specific accesses as required.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance programs, including workplace flexibility.
• Employee clubs (photography, yoga, etc.).
• Health and finance workshops.
• Off‑site social events.
• Discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Pay

US base salary range for this full‑time position: $100,000 – $275,000. Individual pay is determined by location, skills, experience, and education.

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563