Operations Program Manager

Draper•Cambridge, MA

1d•$95,000 - $245,000•Onsite

About The Position

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with more than 2,000 employees working on national challenges across areas including defense, space exploration, and biomedical engineering. Its multidisciplinary teams collaborate to develop usable solutions. The Operations division is hiring an Operations Program Manager to guide complex, mission-critical hardware programs from development through build, integration, testing, and delivery. Working across programs, engineering, supply chain, and operations in a high-mix, low-volume environment, this person leads operations planning and execution, drives manufacturing readiness, manages operational risks, and aligns people, materials, processes, and capabilities with program priorities and schedules. The role works closely with engineers, technicians, planners, supply chain partners, and program leaders to address problems, adapt to changing requirements, and advance hardware from design to execution. The position owns program execution and manages programs from inception through completion, with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, customer expectations, resource planning, risk management, quality, business growth, and stakeholder communication. It also involves customer engagement, team leadership, contract and proposal activities, and compliance with company financial policies and processes. Applicants selected for the position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance. The role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts; travel may be required as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; a major in engineering, computer science, business, or a related technical field is preferred.
At least 5 years of professional experience in project or program management in the commercial or defense industry.
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 on government projects or programs with direct internal and external customer interfaces.
Ability to work with functional organizations to achieve project or program execution and business goals.
Ability to implement continuous improvement and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
Ability to travel as needed.
Ability to quickly learn new technologies and applications.
Prior exposure to all product lifecycles.
Ability to persuade and build strong relationships.
Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Must obtain and maintain a government security clearance if selected.

Responsibilities

Own overall program execution, including cost, schedule, technical performance targets, and customer expectations.
Establish project or program performance measurement baselines.
Develop, implement, and update resource allocation plans; work with functional organizations to recruit, retain, and develop key talent.
Manage and control all program phases from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Serve as the primary customer contact for program activities, manage program teams, and lead review sessions to ensure work scope and technical requirements are met.
Work with supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance.
Identify and assess project opportunities, risks, and issues, and apply appropriate actions related to cost, schedule, technical elements, and deliverables.
Build customer partnerships, balance customer needs and expectations against plans, and develop new business or expand existing products and technologies with customers.
Provide leadership oversight and foster an open, positive, inclusive environment that supports high team morale.
Participate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables, and changes.
Deploy quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure compliance with the Quality Management System and customer requirements.
Coordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support business portfolio growth.
Manage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with company financial policies and processes.
Ensure effective oral and written communication with internal and external stakeholders.