Program Manager 2

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper Labs in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Program Manager 2 to lead Air Force and Missile Defense strategic initiatives, overseeing full lifecycle execution of complex programs. You will manage cost, schedule, and technical performance while maintaining strong customer relationships and supplier coordination.

The role requires 7 years of program management experience in commercial or defense sectors, a technical degree, and ability to travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• 7 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required.
• Experience managing medium to large projects with complex requirements.
• Experience with government projects with direct customer interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, including meeting cost, schedule, and technical performance targets for medium to large projects.
• Establish project/program performance measurement baseline.
• Develop, implement and update resource allocation plans and recruit key talent.
• Manage and control all phases from inception to completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Act as primary customer contact for program activities and lead reviews.
• Work with Supply Chain to manage suppliers and monitor performance.
• Identify risks and opportunities and manage them across cost, schedule, and technical elements.
• Develop customer partnerships and expand products/technologies with customers.
• Provide leadership to maintain a positive, inclusive environment and high team morale.

Skills

Earned Value Management

IMS/IMS planning

Customer interface

Program management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Travel readiness

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.

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, to include meeting cost, schedule, 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 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. Active Top Secret Clearance is required.

Travel for this role could be up to 50% of time.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary Range

$100,000.00 - $275,000.00

Additional Information

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.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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.