Group Leader–Production Test Development and Execution

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, Mission, Operations & Enhancements (PMOE) Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is establishing a new Production Test Development and Execution group.

This group will provide the logistics, integration, and test execution capabilities needed to mature Draper hardware to a production ready state and to hand that hardware over to the Operations organization. The Group Leader will manage a multidisciplinary team of test technicians, test engineers, and logistics specialists (10 16 members) that will develop and execute high fidelity integration test campaigns, manage the flow of hardware through the logistics chain, and deliver complete, validated test packages that enable a seamless transition to low rate production.

The Group accomplishes its work through close collaboration with program offices, customers/sponsors, other Draper engineering groups, and the external technical community. The focus is on delivering verifiable, repeatable test data and a well controlled logistics process that support the development of highly reliable, complex systems for warfighter missions.

Responsibilities

The Group Leader is responsible for leading and managing the team while ensuring the long term success of the group and its contributions to Draper. Key duties include:

· Strategic Leadership & Road Mapping – Define the group’s vision, technical roadmap, and performance metrics that align with PMOE and enterprise production goals; develop multi year resourcing plans (personnel, test equipment, space); own budget creation, tracking, and cost benefit analysis for logistics tooling and test equipment procurement.

· Program Logistics Development – Establish end to end logistics processes (receipt, storage, inventory control, transportation, customs/ITAR compliance, disposition); implement configuration management and chain of custody procedures that meet DoD/DODAF, ISO 9001, and Draper Mission Assurance standards; coordinate with Procurement, Security, and Supply Chain to secure materials, clearances, and export control approvals.

· Integration & Test Execution – Lead planning, scheduling, and execution of hardware software integration and test campaigns (functional, environmental, performance, and acceptance testing); ensure test procedures, data acquisition systems, and analysis tools are mature, repeatable, and traceable to system requirements; partner with Systems Engineers, Software Leads, and Mission Assurance to close verification gaps and certify hardware for production.

· Transition to Operations – Develop comprehensive “production hand off” packages that include validated test data, as built documentation, logistics chain of custody records, and configuration baselines; work with the Operations organization early in the program life cycle to define acceptance criteria, hand off schedules, and support models; track post handoff performance metrics to ensure a smooth transition and continuous improvement.

· Talent Development & Culture – Grow team though hiring, conduct regular one on ones, performance reviews, and career development plans for all group members; foster a collaborative, innovative culture focused on continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and cross disciplinary mentorship; promote diversity, inclusion, and employee well being initiatives within the group.

· Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Build strong relationships with Draper Program Offices, customers/sponsors, other engineering divisions, and external partners (universities, labs, industry); represent the group in technical reviews, proposal development, and cost estimate workshops; influence program road maps and technology transition strategies through proactive engagement and insight sharing.

· R&D Enablement – Identify emerging logistics, integration, and test technologies (AI driven test planning, autonomous material handling, digital twins) and develop business cases for adoption; guide internal and external research efforts, including co ops, internships, and scholar programs that align with the group’s roadmap; ensure research outputs are transitioned into operational capability in a timely, risk aware manner.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

- Manage administrative details and career development for group members.
- Convey relevant information from management to group members.
- Lead, mentor, build depth in their area of expertise, and conduct performance evaluations of group members.
- Maintain awareness of staffing requirements, write job requisitions (responsibilities and qualifications) for hiring as required, review and disposition incoming resumes, conduct interviews.
- Serve as Lead Subject Matter Expert for area of specialty.
- Shape Draper’s technology offerings and open new business areas based on program and technical experience.
- Analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas that align Draper's capabilities with customers' strategic priorities.
- Maintain cognizance of group member activity and address issues.
- Conduct performance evaluations of group members.

Skills/Abilities

- Excellent communication and written skills.
- Excellent ability with presenting technical material to various levels of the engineering organization and customers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong ability to supervise a team of 10-20.

Education
Requires a degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Experience
7+ years of experience in the engineering; design, development, and management of complex systems.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications
· 7 + years of progressive leadership experience combined with hands‑on work in logistics, integration, test development, or related engineering support for advanced aerospace/defense systems.

· Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and evaluate complex hardware‑software test campaigns (environmental, functional, performance, or acceptance).

· Deep understanding of logistics processes for high‑value, classified hardware (inventory control, material handling, transport, customs/ITAR).

· Experience managing test‑equipment calibration programs and ensuring compliance with safety/quality standards (OSHA, ISO‑17025, etc.).

· Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills; able to synthesize multi‑disciplinary challenges.

· Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting technical concepts to customers, senior leadership, and cross‑functional teams.

· Proven record in conflict resolution, employee development, mentorship, and building high‑performing teams.

· Ability to juggle multiple concurrent priorities, adapt rapidly to shifting program demands, and meet aggressive delivery windows.

· **Must hold a current U.S. Government security clearance – Secret or Top‑Secret (including SCI) at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with strategic weapons, DoD, space, or GN&C/inertial navigation systems.

· Background integrating and testing complex hardware‑software platforms, including flight‑software or real‑time control systems.

· Experience developing system requirements, traceability matrices, and verification & validation (V&V) test plans; familiarity with specialized test methods such as Enhanced Ground Test, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, or high‑G vibration.

· Proven record leading or contributing to technical and cost proposals for large government contracts; ability to present complex data visually (Power‑BI, Tableau, technical graphics).

· Prior role as Technical Director, Task Leader, or Principal Investigator for technology‑development projects.

· Established relationships with universities, national labs, or industry partners that can be leveraged for research collaborations or talent pipelines.

Security Requirement

All applicants must possess a current U.S. Government security clearance (Secret or Top‑Secret/SCI) at the time of hire and must maintain the appropriate clearance for the duration of employment and for any program‑specific access needs.

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Job Location - City:
Cambridge

Job Location - State:
Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $245,000.00
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 [email protected] .