Program Manager II-Decision Solutions

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:

Draper is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager with deep subject matter expertise to provide overall technical and programmatic leadership to Draper’s Undersea Warfare (USW) group. The Program Manager will be responsible for planning, capturing, executing, and controlling USW related programs, coordinating stakeholder inputs, managing schedules, budgets, and risk.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Program Leadership – Direct all phases of the USW program life cycle, including requirements definition, proposal and capture management, execution, and close out.
2. Technical Oversight – Provide subject matter expertise in undersea warfare systems, tactics, and technology to guide technical/business decisions and ensure solution alignment with customer objectives.
3. Stakeholder Coordination – Serve as the primary liaison between the government customers, prime contractors, subcontractors and other functional areas.
4. Schedule & Budget Management – Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, cost baselines, and funding forecasts; monitor performance against milestones and take corrective actions as needed.
5. Risk & Issue Management – Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks; lead issue resolution forums and maintain risk registers.
6. Review & Evaluation – Lead technical interchange meetings (TIMs), working groups, and program reviews; evaluate deliverables and technical proposals against requirements.
7. Reporting & Briefings – Prepare and deliver executive briefings, white papers, and technical assessments; communicate program status to senior leadership and customers.
8. Team Development – Mentor and guide staff and SMEs, fostering a collaborative environment focused on mission success.

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 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:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 7+ years of progressive program management experience in undersea warfare, submarine systems, anti‑submarine warfare (ASW), or related naval technical domains.
• Domain Expertise: Direct experience supporting a Navy Program Management Office, NAVSEA, or equivalent DoD acquisition organization; demonstrated knowledge of USW systems such as sonar, torpedoes, UUVs, and acoustic signal processing 
• Acquisition Knowledge: Familiarity with the DoD acquisition lifecycle and program management processes.
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical content for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior U.S. Navy service in a submarine, ASW, or USW‑related warfare community (officer or enlisted).
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or MBA.
• Experience leading large government programs.

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

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Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

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.

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, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

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 [email protected].