Senior Program Manager - Space Systems

Draper; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Employee clubs

Health workshops

Finance workshops

Off-site events

Museum discounts

Job summary

Draper is seeking an experienced project/program manager to oversee the full lifecycle of medium to large, highly complex projects. You will own execution, establish baselines, and coordinate with Supply Chain and customers to meet cost, schedule and technical targets in a dynamic environment.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of PM experience in commercial or defense sectors, with leadership capabilities and a solid background in government programs and risk management.

Qualifications

• 7 years of professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in engineering, CS, business, or related field.
• Proven ability to lead complex programs and manage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution from inception to completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance.
• Establish program performance baselines and track progress against them.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to manage suppliers and monitor performance.
• Act as primary customer contact, lead reviews, and ensure requirements are met.
• Support capture efforts, bids, and contract negotiations as needed.

Skills

EVMS/IMS

Risk & Issue Mgmt

Stakeholder management

Govt projects experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related 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

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

• Strong understanding of DoW and/or IC customers, including knowledge of customer issues, market opportunities, and contracting procedures.
• Manage capture campaigns across all phases of the business winning process, including building customer relationships, shaping opportunities, resource and budget allocation, proposal execution, and negotiation/definitization through award.
• Understand the technical solutions being developed of sufficient depth to manage project/program/capture execution and assess technical and programmatic risks.
• May require travel up to 25% on an as needed basis.

Applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Current in scope Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility is required. The ability to obtain or recent CI Poly required.

Job Location – City

Cambridge

Job Location – State

Massachusetts

Job Location – Postal Code

02139-3563

Salary

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

Salary Ranges Overview

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

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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you.

Equal 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].