Strategic Programs Lead—Air Force & Missile Defense

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

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%.