Science and Technology (S&T) Lead

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory•Reston, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Draper is seeking a Lead for our Science and Technology (S&T) efforts across a range of technical areas, with particular focus on Microelectronics and Photonics, Embedded Application of AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Digital Engineering. Reporting to the Principal Director for S&T, this position will have the primary responsibility of aligning Draper’s advanced microelectronics, AI/ML, Cyber, and Digital Engineering technology development efforts with corporate technology strategy as well as the strategies of individual business offices. In this role, the S&T lead will shape technical strategies, integrated development plans with business offices, and will support the shaping, pursuit, and capture of external S&T programs within the national security S&T community (DARPA, ONR, AFRL, NRL, etc.) as well as commercial partners and help provide oversight on the execution of these S&T projects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
10-15+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
At least 10 years of experience working within an engineering organization.
At least 5 years of demonstrated performance growing and capturing new S&T businesses.
Experience working with government S&T agencies such as DARPA, ONR, AFRL.
Ability to lead and supervise a technically diverse team of engineering capability leads.
Excellent communication skills with diverse groups of technical and business stakeholders.
Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or higher preferred.
MS in relevant engineering discipline required, PhD preferred.
Experience in product development a plus.

Responsibilities

Independently drive solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams (greater than 10 people). Aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.
Contributes to advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field.
Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas to help sustain business growth.
Identifies risks common among multiple programs/technology areas/etc. and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
Works to improve operations at the enterprise level. Identifies areas for improvement within the organization and uses positive collaboration practices to achieve change.
Actively mentors and seeks opportunities to build depth for their area of expertise. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and gives thoughtful, constructive feedback.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Develop and execute the engineering strategies to closely align with the Corporate Strategy Office, Business Development Strategies, and Draper Technology Strategy.
Lead an IR&D portfolio.
Support business offices shaping, awareness, and capturing new business with external S&T customers (DARPA, ONR, AFRL, IARPA, ARL).
Work with engineering management directors and group leaders to support their relevant technical capability and staff growth and management objectives.
Work with the Principal Director for S&T to develop and foster strategic relationships with government and industry S&T leaders.
Engage with Draper Laboratory Technical Fellows and other senior technical staff to ensure Draper stays aware of cutting-edge emerging technology and benchmarking Draper technology against our competitors.