{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"5e09fc29dac5e96e0cbf2a29","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5e09fc29dac5e96e0cbf2a29","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5e09fc29dac5e96e0cbf2a29","title":"Program Manager 1 - Electronic Systems","description":"Overview:\n\nDraper 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.\n\nJob Description Summary:\n\nThe Program Manager 1 will help deliver first-of-a-kind field-ready technical solutions in support of National Security missions. The Draper team is chartered with supporting the Nation’s most challenging problems by 1) providing an iterative and agile approach to innovative and creative technical solutions within compressed timelines and 2) driving leading edge technology development efforts to support future mission needs. This role will support a large multi-functional team as part of a long-standing contract with history of immense success.\n\nWe are seeking a Program Manager (PM) responsible for facilitating and leading program capture, development, planning and execution across a broad range of national security sponsors. The Program Manager will be accountable for developing and managing new programs as well as establishing new programmatic relationships with Draper national security sponsors across the lab’s electronic systems / microelectronics portfolio. This PM will be expected to drive execution, innovation, and provide oversight that ensures Sponsor satisfaction, on-time completion of contractual deliverables. The PM will also manage, strengthen, and grow customer relationships in addition to supporting capture activities to include leading proposal efforts.\n\nJob Description:\n\nDuties and Responsibilities:\n\nOwn overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations\nEstablish project/program performance measurement baseline.\nDevelop, implement and update resource allocation plans. Work with functional organizations to effectively recruit, retain and develop key talent for the business.\nManage and control all phases of programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.\nAct as primary customer contact for program activities, managing program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.\nWork closely with the supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance\nIdentify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project opportunities, risks, and issues in terms of cost, schedule, technical elements and deliverables.\nEstablish strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs and expectations against plans. Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers.\nProvide leadership oversight for the team creating an open, positive, inclusive environment to maintain high team morale.\nParticipate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables and changes.\nDeploy appropriate quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System and customer requirements.\nCoordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support current and future growth of the business portfolio.\nManage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company's financial policies and processes.\nEnsure impactful, effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders.\n\nSkills and Abilities:\n\nKnowledge 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.\nExperience working government projects/programs with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external.\nAble to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals.\nAble to implement continuous improvement across projects/programs and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment.\nAbility to travel on an as needed basis.\nAbility to quickly learn new technologies and/or new applications.\nPrior exposure to all product lifecycles\nAbility to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder.\nPossess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.\nProficiency with Microsoft Office Applications\n\nEducation:\n\nBachelor’s degree (major in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred)\n\nExperience:\n\n5 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required\n\nAdditional Job Description:\n\nDirect experience in program/project management of R&D technology development activities, and/or successful USG technology transition activities.\nProgram/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs.\nDeep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges.\nRelevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience.\nDirect experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews.\nAbility to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper.\nExcellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees.\nCurrent / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required.\nProgram/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs.\nDeep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges.\nRelevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience.\nDirect experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews.\nAbility to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper.\nExcellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees.\nCurrent / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required.\nApplicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.\n\nConnect 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.\n\nJob Location - City:\n\nCambridge\n\nJob Location - State:\n\nMassachusetts\n\nJob Location - Postal Code:\n\n02139-3563\n\nThe US base salary range for this full-time position is\n\n$95,000.00 - $245,000.00\n\nOur 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.\n\nOur 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.\n\nDraper 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.","company":"Draper","rawCompany":"draper","city":"Somerville","state":"MA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-25T13:13:30.097Z","occupations":[{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"},{"code":"11-1021.00","title":"General and Operations Managers","slug":"general-and-operations-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"334419","title":"Other Electronic Component Manufacturing","slug":"other-electronic-component-manufacturing"},{"code":"334418","title":"Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing","slug":"printed-circuit-assembly-electronic-assembly-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Program Manager 1 - Electronic Systems","description":"Overview:\n\nDraper 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.\n\nJob Description Summary:\n\nThe Program Manager 1 will help deliver first-of-a-kind field-ready technical solutions in support of National Security missions. The Draper team is chartered with supporting the Nation’s most challenging problems by 1) providing an iterative and agile approach to innovative and creative technical solutions within compressed timelines and 2) driving leading edge technology development efforts to support future mission needs. This role will support a large multi-functional team as part of a long-standing contract with history of immense success.\n\nWe are seeking a Program Manager (PM) responsible for facilitating and leading program capture, development, planning and execution across a broad range of national security sponsors. The Program Manager will be accountable for developing and managing new programs as well as establishing new programmatic relationships with Draper national security sponsors across the lab’s electronic systems / microelectronics portfolio. This PM will be expected to drive execution, innovation, and provide oversight that ensures Sponsor satisfaction, on-time completion of contractual deliverables. The PM will also manage, strengthen, and grow customer relationships in addition to supporting capture activities to include leading proposal efforts.\n\nJob Description:\n\nDuties and Responsibilities:\n\nOwn overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations\nEstablish project/program performance measurement baseline.\nDevelop, implement and update resource allocation plans. Work with functional organizations to effectively recruit, retain and develop key talent for the business.\nManage and control all phases of programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.\nAct as primary customer contact for program activities, managing program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.\nWork closely with the supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance\nIdentify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project opportunities, risks, and issues in terms of cost, schedule, technical elements and deliverables.\nEstablish strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs and expectations against plans. Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers.\nProvide leadership oversight for the team creating an open, positive, inclusive environment to maintain high team morale.\nParticipate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables and changes.\nDeploy appropriate quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System and customer requirements.\nCoordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support current and future growth of the business portfolio.\nManage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company's financial policies and processes.\nEnsure impactful, effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders.\n\nSkills and Abilities:\n\nKnowledge 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.\nExperience working government projects/programs with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external.\nAble to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals.\nAble to implement continuous improvement across projects/programs and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment.\nAbility to travel on an as needed basis.\nAbility to quickly learn new technologies and/or new applications.\nPrior exposure to all product lifecycles\nAbility to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder.\nPossess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.\nProficiency with Microsoft Office Applications\n\nEducation:\n\nBachelor’s degree (major in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred)\n\nExperience:\n\n5 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required\n\nAdditional Job Description:\n\nDirect experience in program/project management of R&D technology development activities, and/or successful USG technology transition activities.\nProgram/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs.\nDeep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges.\nRelevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience.\nDirect experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews.\nAbility to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper.\nExcellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees.\nCurrent / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required.\nProgram/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs.\nDeep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges.\nRelevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience.\nDirect experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews.\nAbility to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper.\nExcellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees.\nCurrent / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required.\nApplicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.\n\nConnect 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.\n\nJob Location - City:\n\nCambridge\n\nJob Location - State:\n\nMassachusetts\n\nJob Location - Postal Code:\n\n02139-3563\n\nThe US base salary range for this full-time position is\n\n$95,000.00 - $245,000.00\n\nOur 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.\n\nOur 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.\n\nDraper 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.","datePosted":"2026-08-25T13:13:30.097Z","dateModified":"2026-08-25T13:13:30.097Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Draper","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Somerville","addressRegion":"MA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"5e09fc29dac5e96e0cbf2a29"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5e09fc29dac5e96e0cbf2a29"}}