NPI, Integration and Capabilities Operation Director

Draper Labs; Cambridge; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research and development company seeks a dynamic NPI, Integration and Capabilities Operation Director to lead product transitions from development to production. This pivotal role involves collaborating with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure seamless manufacturing processes. The Director will shape the long-term roadmap for technology and manufacturing capabilities while managing operational budgets and driving performance optimization. Join a forward-thinking organization that values work-life balance and offers a collaborative environment where your contributions will significantly impact national challenges.

Benefits

Workplace Flexibility

Employee Clubs (Photography, Yoga)

Health and Finance Workshops

Off-site Social Events

Discounts to Local Museums

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Engineering or Program Management required.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production schedules and quality control processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for operational efficiency.

Skills

Problem Solving

Program/Product Lifecycle Understanding

Organizational Corrective Action

Performance Metrics Knowledge

Communication Skills

Self-Starter

Team Collaboration

Regulatory Knowledge (FAA, FDA, DO-178)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview:

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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The NPI, Integration and Capabilities Operation Director will lead the introduction of new parts and the seamless transition of products from development to production. This role is responsible for developing and executing plans that ensure readiness across manufacturing, tooling, and facilities to support product ramp-up and delivery. The Director will work closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to drive cross-functional alignment, mitigate production risks, and enable scalable, efficient manufacturing solutions.

In addition to managing production transitions, this leader will play a critical role in shaping the long-term roadmap for technology, manufacturing capabilities, and infrastructure investment. The Director will assess current and future needs, recommend capital projects, and ensure our production capabilities remain aligned with product evolution and customer demands. Success in this role requires strong technical acumen, operational expertise, and the ability to drive strategic initiatives across a high-performing organization.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• End-to-End Management: Oversee the processes, including toolset performance, production schedules, quality control, and on-time deliveries.
• Budget Oversight: Develop, manage, and track operational budgets to ensure financial objectives are met.
• Schedule Adherence: Plan and maintain production schedules, ensuring alignment with customer and organizational delivery requirements.
• Performance Optimization: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximize equipment uptime, yield, and throughput while minimizing cost.
• Development/Delivery of executive briefings on Draper wide performance metrics.
• Recommend improvements to business processes and follow up with executive leadership on initiatives.
• Alignment of activities with evolving business needs, the development and implementation of the Division's Strategic Plan.
• Management of staff hiring and recruiting.
• Adjustment of organizational structure as necessary to support new Draper initiatives.
• Maintenance of internal audit and continuous process improvement.
• Personnel resource management for projects staffed by the Division.
• Career development of the future leaders of the organization through mentoring, growth assignments, professional seminars, and other educational opportunities.

Skills/Abilities

• Able to solve complex problems.
• Understanding of the program / product lifecycle of manufactured products.
• Able to drive broad organizational corrective action to improve business processes
• Knowledge of organizational and project-based performance metrics.
• Strong written and verbal communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter and the ability to set organizational vision and achieve results.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment is a must.
• Knowledge of industry and government regulations and certification standards (FAA, FDA, DO-178, etc.)

Education

• Bachelor's Degree required in an Engineering or technical field. (M.S. preferred)

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in an Engineering and/or Program Management.
• At least 5 years of experience managing individual contributors, managers, and cross-functional teams.
• Prefer previous experience managing large manufacturing area or program deliverables.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, which requires proof of US citizenship.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance 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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

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 [e-mail].