Director 2 Electronic Systems

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
May 30, 2025
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: The Production Systems Director is a key leadership role within Draper, responsible for the execution, growth and scaling of Electronics System's franchise production programs within the ES portfolio and across national security customers. The position is integral in driving a cross functional team for impactful mission delivery in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment where first of a kind solutions and products are transitioning to production for fielding. This role works closely within the ES team across the Product Line Directors for Microelectronics, GNC Solutions, and Decision Solutions to transition projects/programs into production, maintain/grow production pipeline demand, and to identify new production capabilities supporting and accelerating long-term growth. The Production Systems Director works corporately with operations, engineering, facilities, finance and facilities as the key ES Business stakeholder to generate production output to the needs and growth plans in support of the ES Growth & Capture strategy and the 5-year Integrated Business Plan (IBP). These capabilities include the scaling of production opportunities to meet emerging business needs via Draper's Advanced Packaging Facility and its future microelectronics business expansion as part of the LINC initiative. Additional critical production programs to be executed, grown, and scaled by the Production Systems Director includes manufacturing assembly capabilities in support of emerging celestial navigation and guided munitions product families. It is anticipated that this role will lead internal "make vs buy" analyses in close collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain, and other corporate functions to create efficient and executable production capabilities. The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring excellence in program management for large scale, complex program/projects, and growing a production program management team that delivers product that meets performance, schedule, and financial objectives. In this role you will: Work closely with operations on the establishment of production capabilities to meet current/future pipeline needs in microelectronics packaging and manufacturing assembly of product families in celestial navigation and guided munitions Drive pipeline growth and sustainability of Draper manufacturing capabilities Collaborate across ES business areas and product line segments to transition to production and scale manufacturing capabilities to meet emerging customer / market demand. Lead "make vs buy" analyses with operations, supply chain, and other business functions to drive business model, capability and investment strategies Grow, mentor, and train a program management team focused on high-mix, low-volume production management excellence Build an organization that meets aggressive goals based on teamwork, candor, and accountability Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities Sets the direction, leadership, and management for execution of the portfolio execution, growth, and commitments. Ensure execution of a portfolio of large-scale, complex, often first-of-a-kind production programs across national security customers that meets performance, financial, and schedule objectives Leads the embedded functional teams to ensure flawless execution while meeting all contract deliverables. Ensures the customer satisfaction, program execution, development of pipeline forecasts, financial performance targets, contract awards, and contract modifications. Leads a team of program managers by recruiting, retaining, training, developing and optimizing a workforce that can successfully manage program execution * Achieves the internal and external performance objectives of the Program Portfolio Lead production proposals and production programs capture per the Business Winning Process Establish strong relationships with customer and partner leadership peers Oversees the management of proposals and cross function proposal teams and responsible for on time, compliant proposal development and contract negotiations. Ensure that the needs of all internal and external customers are met, and that the goals and objectives of the Program Portfolio are fully supported and achieved. Ensure compliance and regulatory processes are implemented efficiently and with integrity Communicate effectively with clear messaging at all organizational levels Live/act/lead our core values of people first, integrity, excellence, teamwork, and innovation Performs other duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities Knowledge of program management tools andprocessessuch as Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP) / Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and/or Risk and Opportunity. Skilled at working government programs (large/complex) with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external Possess leadership skills to operate and lead large cross functional teams. Able to guide and develop the team of highly technical Program Managers and their deputies to achieve program execution and business goals. Able to implement continuous improvement across the portfolio - Ability to balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment. Proficient with MS office applications. Prior exposure to all business lifecycles and ability to lead through each Leading portfolio management planning projects and driving them to meet organizational objectives Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or relevant degree required, MS or MBA preferred Experience: At least 10 years of experience in leadership roles developing and delivering technology solutions in Intelligence Community/Department of Defense and/or commercial environments. Additional Job Description: Desired Experience: Experience working closely with government and commercial clients for proposal negotiations Experience in program management in the aerospace and defense industries. Proven experience in executing large/complex production programs Leading portfolio management planning projects and driving them to meet organizational objectives Advanced degree preferred Prior exposure to all business lifecycles and the ability to lead through each of them Superb communication: fostering a positive relationship to instill trust and communication across functions Flexibility and versatility: readily adapt to changes with an open mind Calm demeanor: ability to keep emotions in control in high-stress situations Passionate about Draper's nonprofit mission to make an impact on the most challenging national security problems Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government 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 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 hr@draper.com.