IMU Development Program Manager

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health & finance workshops

Off‑site social events

Museum discounts

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. invites qualified candidates for an IMU Development Program Manager role in Cambridge, MA.

This leadership position oversees the end‑to‑end lifecycle of advanced inertial systems, coordinating with partners and cross‑functional teams to meet cost, schedule and technical goals. Responsibilities include risk management, stakeholder communication, and ensuring adherence to quality processes while driving business growth and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 7 years of professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry.
• Advanced knowledge of EVMS, IMP/IMS, and risk/issue management.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex programs.
• Experience with government projects and customer interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, including cost, schedule, and technical performance targets.
• Develop and maintain performance baselines and resource plans.
• Coordinate with functional groups to recruit, retain and develop talent.
• Serve as primary customer contact and lead reviews to ensure requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain for supplier performance and contract actions.

Skills

EVMS

IMP/IMS

Earned Value Management

Government projects

Stakeholder communication

Travel flexibility

Leadership

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 IMU Development Program Manager will lead the development of complex inertial systems in support of strategic programs. This dynamic role will span strategy and long‑term planning to details of day‑to‑day project execution. Responsibilities will include teaming with industry partners to mature key technologies, and ultimately overseeing the integration of these technologies with electro‑mechanical and sensor subsystems through all phases of the program lifecycle.

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities: Own overall program execution, to include 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. 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. Experience executing programs through all product lifecycles. Ability to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder. Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills. Knowledge and proven track record of successful business interaction. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

Education

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

Experience

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

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location

City: Cambridge
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $100,000.00 - $275,000.00. 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 and Programs

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.

Equal Opportunity 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].

Company Culture

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.