Program Manager 2

Inuplands; Reston (VA); Hybrid; 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

Job summary

Draper in Reston, VA seeks a seasoned Program Manager to oversee complex, multi‑phase projects from inception to completion. You will ensure cost, schedule, and technical milestones align with customer expectations while coordinating with sourcing and engineering teams.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in program management, strong communication, and hands‑on experience with governance, risk, and lifecycle management in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred.
• 7 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required.
• Experience with government projects/programs and customer interfaces is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution including cost, schedule, and technical targets for medium to large projects.
• Establish performance baselines and resource plans.
• Recruit, retain and develop key talent; collaborate with functional teams.
• Manage all project phases from inception to completion; ensure compliance and quality.
• Act as primary customer contact and lead reviews to meet requirements.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain for supplier performance and procurement.
• Identify risks and opportunities; implement mitigations and actions.
• Develop new business or expand existing products with customers.
• Lead, mentor and maintain a positive, inclusive team environment.

Skills

Earned Value Management

IMP/IMS

Opportunity/Risk/Issue Mgmt

Gov't projects

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel flexibility

Lifecycle management

Excellent communication

Microsoft Office

Persuasive partner

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/computer science/business

Tools

None specified

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

Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of medium to large sized projects/program(s) of considerable complexity.

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 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

Job Location

City: Reston

State: Virginia

Postal Code: 20190

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

• workplace flexibility
• employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga
• health and finance workshops
• off site social events
• discounts to local museums and cultural activities

Employment Practices

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

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. 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.