Senior Program Manager - Space Systems

Company Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. With 2,000+ employees, Draper tackles important national challenges—from military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering—delivering successful and usable solutions. Multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Summary

Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of medium to large sized projects/program(s) of considerable complexity.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, including 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.

Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Ability to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals.
• Ability 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 lifecycles.
• Persuasive and strong relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.
• Knowledge and proven track record of successful business interaction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Education and Experience

• 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.
• Strong understanding of DoD and/or IC customers, including knowledge of customer issues, market opportunities, and contracting procedures.
• Experience managing capture campaigns across all phases of the business winning process.
• Understanding of technical solutions sufficient to manage project/program/capture execution and assess technical and programmatic risks.

Additional Requirements

• Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required; ability to obtain or recent CI Poly.
• Travel up to 25% on an as‑needed basis.

Location and Salary

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Base salary range: $100,000 – $275,000 per year (full‑time).

Benefits

• Work‑life balance programs including workplace flexibility.
• Employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga.
• Health and finance workshops.
• Off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.