Science and Technology (S&T) Lead

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:

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.

Job Description:

Duties/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.

Skills/Abilities
• 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.

Education
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.

Experience
10-15+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Additional Job Description:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.
• Experience in product development a plus.
• MS in relevant engineering discipline required, PhD preferred.

Note:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

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Job Location - City:

Reston

Job Location - State:

Virginia

Job Location - Postal Code:

20190

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$100,000.00 - $275,000.00

Our 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.

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.