Program Manager 2

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 and finance workshops

Off-site social events

Discounts to local museums and cultural activities

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Program Manager 2 to lead the execution of significant ICBM technology projects. The role involves managing complex programs, ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, and quality standards while leading customer interactions and team dynamics.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 7 years of experience in project management within the defense or commercial sectors. A Top Secret security clearance is mandatory.

Qualifications

• 7 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Active Top Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, including meeting cost, schedule, and technical performance targets.
• Act as primary customer contact for program activities.
• Manage and control all phases of projects/programs from inception through completion.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of project/program management tools

Experience working government projects/programs

Ability to work with functional organizations

Ability to implement continuous improvement

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications

Education

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

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

We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems – Leading the Future for State of the Art ICBM Technology and Strategic Systems while Accelerating ICBM Modernization and Homeland Defense. Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of medium to large sized projects/programs of considerable complexity.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, including meeting cost, schedule, and technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations for medium to large sized projects/programs 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 managing suppliers and monitoring 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.
• 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 Requirements

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Active Top Secret clearance is required. Travel for this role could be up to 50% of time.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Compensation

US base salary range: $100,000.00 – $275,000.00. Individual pay is determined by location, skills, experience, and additional factors. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Compensation details listed reflect the base salary only and do not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits

• Workplace flexibility.
• Employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga.
• Health and finance workshops.
• Off‑site social events.
• Discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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].