Sr. NPI Manufacturing Engineer

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:

At Draper, we apply cutting edge science and engineering to solve our nation’s most challenging problems in strategic systems, space systems, biotechnology, and electronic systems. Our Operations team plays a critical role in bringing these innovations from concept to reality.
We are seeking an NPI Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Operations organization. This role will serve as the bridge between Production, Supply Chain, and Program teams, ensuring operational excellence from proposal, development through LRIP (low-rate initial production).

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead Operations support for programs across the product lifecycle, with a focus on emerging programs.

• Own Operations content in proposals, including cost, schedule, support Basis of Estimates for proposals and manufacturing approaches, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with New Product Introduction (NPI) requirements.

• Serve as the primary interface between Operations and assigned programs, driving execution for all operations scope activities.

• Support production readiness by leading manufacturing planning, bid & proposal inputs, PFMECA, design for manufacturing considerations, tooling/fixturing plans, limited life material plan, and Production Readiness Reviews (PRR).

• Partner with supply chain teams to confirm procurement plans, document make/buy decisions and establish complete supplier Statements of Work (SOWs).

• Evaluate supplier Manufacturing Readiness Package (MRP) to support make/buy decisions

• Drive continuous improvement into Operations activities, advancing efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

Skills/Abilities
• Strong understanding of NPI and transition-to-production practices.

• Ability to work cross-functionally (manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality) with competing priorities.

• Experience developing and managing manufacturing plans, cost estimates, and schedules.

• Knowledge of defense/aerospace hardware production is a plus.

Education
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing or other relevant field.
Experience

• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience.

• 3+ years of program management experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, or engineering.

• Proven success managing programs through the full product lifecycle.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

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

$82,300.00 - $220,000.00

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].