Strategic Systems Program Manager - System Software

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.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.   We understand the value of diversity 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, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.   

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The Strategic Systems Program office is seeking a Software Program Manager.  This program develops, tests, and delivers the world’s most accurate and reliable guidance, navigation & control (GN&C) systems to enable credible, survivable, and resilient port-to-target solutions to support the US Navy.  The program manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of the program plans, schedules, and budget for the Strategic Systems Software area, as well as monitoring program performance and execution to those plans, including identifying and addressing risks and issues as needed.   The Software Program Manager will report to the Associate Director of Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT).

• Developing, implementing, and executing a strategy for the Software program area within Strategic Systems focused on the design and development of the D5LE2 guidance system.
• Establishing D5LE2 program wide software development processes, policies, and procedures
• Leading the development of multiples levels of software items including boot, operating system, flight software applications, and system test applications
• Working closely with the Guidance Avionics and System Integration teams in the integration of the flight software into the flight avionics
• Interfacing directly with US Navy customer, external program stakeholders, and internal stakeholders to support program alignment and execution.
• Communicating clear program objectives and goals across program areas and help ensure alignment with overall strategy and priorities.
• Developing detailed program plan for program area with clear timelines and milestones that is integrated with overall program plan and schedule.
• Driving program monitoring and control processes by developing and using appropriate data and metrics to measure program performance and facilitating the tracking of program status within area of responsibility.
• Ensuring compliance to internal policies, Trident program requirements, and quality management best practices.
• Monitoring and managing risks and opportunities within area of responsibility.
• Fostering collaboration and teamwork among program stakeholders.
• Continuously evaluating and improving program processes and outcomes within area of responsibility.
• Supporting weekly and monthly program reviews to status execution within program area.
• Developing and building team within program area by providing coaching, mentoring, and training as needed.

• BS, MS, PhD in Engineering or Science field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of Software development lifecycles and standards is highly desired
• Previous experience running large, embedded, mission-critical software development projects is highly desired.
• Understanding of complex Guidance, Navigation, and Control functions
• Strong knowledge of program management best practices, including program planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Strong leadership and team management kills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals.
• Experience building relationships with leaders across an organization and ability to collaborate with stakeholders to understand the business’ current state and develop data-driven insights that can drive organizational-wide goals and strategies.
• Possesses excellent business judgment, strong written and oral communication skills, and a practical, common-sense approach to getting things done.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to hold themselves and others accountable to high standards of success.
• Strong meeting management and negotiation skills.
• Leads with humility and respect, seeking diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment on their team.
• Proven track record of demonstrating high integrity behaviors.

Security Requirement  

• Must be a US Citizen
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security Government security clearance requires proof of US citizenship.
• Top Secret Clearance preferred