Strategic Hardware Programs Lead

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Employee clubs and wellness activities

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking an Operations Program Manager to lead complex hardware programs from development to delivery. You will coordinate across engineering, supply chain, and operations, manage risks, and ensure resources align with schedules and costs.

The role requires experience with EVMS/IMP/IMS, government projects, and strong communication. Expect travel as needed and a dynamic, matrixed work environment with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of program management tools and processes such as Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and/or Risk/Opportunity/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.
• Prior exposure to all product lifecycles
• Ability to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder.
• Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications

Responsibilities

• Own overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations.
• 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 programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Act as primary customer contact for program activities, managing program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.
• Work closely with the supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance.
• Identify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project 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 financial policies and processes.
• Ensure impactful, effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

EVMS knowledge

Integrated Master Plan/Schedule

Risk/Opportunity/Issue Management

Strong communication

Leadership

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree (engineering, CS, business)

Tools

Microsoft Office Applications

Job description

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking an Operations Program Manager to lead complex hardware programs from development to delivery. You will coordinate across engineering, supply chain, and operations, manage risks, and ensure resources align with schedules and costs.

The role requires experience with EVMS/IMP/IMS, government projects, and strong communication. Expect travel as needed and a dynamic, matrixed work environment with growth opportunities.