Group Lead-System Integration & Test II

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Workshops (health & finance)

Off-site social events

Museum discounts

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Group Leader for the Integration & Test 2 Group to drive system integration and verification of complex systems across Draper’s programs. You will lead a team of 15–20 engineers, shape test strategies, and coordinate with program offices, customers, and other engineering groups.

The role requires 7+ years of engineering leadership, a degree in engineering, and the ability to present technical material clearly.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience in complex systems design, development and management.
• Experience leading electromechanical systems integration and test.
• Technical leadership roles such as Technical Director or Principal Investigator.
• Strong ability to present complex data verbally and visually.
• Experience leading or contributing to technical and cost proposals.
• Active US Government Security Clearance is preferred/required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct integration and testing of complex systems.
• Support projects through the development lifecycle, including testability feedback.
• Lead a group of 15–20 engineers with technical expertise.
• Develop strategic plans and technology roadmaps with sponsors.
• Perform performance reviews and career development for staff.
• Staffing planning and interviewing; write job requisitions.
• Shape Draper\'s technology offerings and new business areas.
• Coordinate with program offices, customers, and internal groups.

Skills

Excellent communication and written

Presenting technical material

Microsoft Office proficiency

Team supervision

Education

Engineering degree

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 Integration & Test Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is seeking a Group Leader to lead our System Integration & Test 2 Group. The Division serves as the system integrator for technologies and product lines developed using Draper's core capabilities. The Division plans, executes, and manages I&T activities starting from early test concept development through system certification. This includes functional simulation, technology maturation, system and sub‑system integration, verification and validation (V&V), performance evaluation, and acceptance testing. In addition, the Division leverages multi‑disciplinary engineering expertise and collaborates with front‑end Systems Engineers and the Digital Engineering & Enabling Technologies Division to establish clear, verifiable, and traceable requirements, inform and drive system concepts, architectures, and designs to promote testability, and utilizes resident expertise and lessons learned to support the development of highly reliable, robust, and complex systems.

Responsibilities

• The primary focus of the System Integration & Test 2 Group is to plan and conduct the integration and testing (development, acceptance, verification, qualification) of complex systems across a broad application space. The group supports all of Draper's business areas to ensure that we deliver verified and validated systems to our customers.
• The group supports projects throughout the development lifecycle. Early planning is necessary to provide inputs on testability of requirements and provide feedback on designs to ensure ease of integration. Integration support includes development of hardware, software, cabling and documentation of the design.
• The Group Leader is responsible for leading and managing a group of approximately 15-20 engineers who have technical and domain expertise related to the group's focus areas and can provide the highest level of support to our customers. To that end, the Group Leader is expected to:
• Ensure the long‑term success of the group, and its contributions to Draper, by shaping the group's talented workforce, while maintaining 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 within Draper to develop and implement strategic plans and technology roadmaps.
• Promote and direct internal and external R&D activities, including development and alignment of research proposals with technology roadmaps, collaborations with universities and direction of scholar, co‑op, and internships cohorts.
• Support and enable the technical and career growth of individual staff members by performing check‑in reviews and annual performance reviews, as well as advocating 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, build depth in their area of expertise, and conduct performance evaluations of group members.
• Maintain awareness of staffing requirements, write job requisitions (responsibilities and qualifications) for hiring as required, review and disposition 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 Draper's capabilities with customers' strategic priorities.
• Maintain cognizance of group member activity and address issues.
• Conduct performance evaluations of group members.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and written skills.
• Excellent ability with presenting 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.

Education

Requires a degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Experience

7+ years of experience in the engineering; design, development, and management of complex systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading and conducting electromechanical systems integration and test.
• Technical leadership experience, serving as a Technical Director, Task Leader, or Principal Investigator in the development of new technologies or applications.
• Demonstrated ability to present complex data in a compelling manner both verbally and visually.
• Experience leading or contributing to technical and cost proposals.
• Interest and/or experience in technology and market trends.
• Existing (active) US Government Security Clearance.

Security Requirement

• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.

Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $245,000.00. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits & Work-Life Balance

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.

Equality and Inclusion

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].