Leader and materials

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

Job Description Summary

The Microsystems and Advanced Materials Division Leader will provide strategic and organizational leadership for a team of engineers and technical staff driving our innovation in microsystems and advanced materials. Reporting into the Sensors and Advanced Packaging Engineering Organization, this leader will shape the division’s technical vision, foster a collaborative and supportive culture, and ensure alignment with Draper’s goals. By championing technical excellence and guiding the development of future leaders, the DL will position the organization to solve critical national challenges across Draper’s business units.

We are seeking a proven leader who has demonstrated success in:

Organizational Leadership

• Define and communicate a clear vision that connects divisional strengths to Draper’s strategic priorities.
• Build a high-performing culture where innovation, collaboration, and accountability thrive.
• Ensure resources, budgets, and structures are aligned to deliver impact across programs.
  
  

Staff Development

• Invest in the growth of staff and students by mentoring emerging leaders and creating opportunities for professional advancement.
• Strengthen engagement and foster a sense of community across the division.
  
  

Technical & Strategic Leadership

• Shape technical roadmaps that advance Draper’s microsystems and materials capabilities.
• Partner with internal R&D and business units to capture funding, accelerate technology readiness, and translate R&D into mission impact.
• Champion best practices that enable research and development in a production environment.
  
  

Hiring

• Attract and onboard top technical talent to expand the division’s expertise and ensure long-term success.
• Provide onboarding, support, and integration opportunities that enable employees to succeed and grow in the organization.
  
  

Duties/Responsibilities

Job Description:

• Development/Delivery of executive briefings on Draper wide performance metrics.
• Recommend improvements to business processes and follow up with executive leadership on initiatives.
• Alignment of activities with evolving business needs, the development and implementation of the Division's Strategic Plan.
• Business development and technical support as required by Draper program offices.
• Management of staff hiring and recruiting.
• Adjustment of organizational structure as necessary to support new Draper initiatives.
• Maintenance of internal audit and continuous process improvement.
• Oversight of the quality of execution of projects led by Division staff.
• Personnel resource management for projects staffed by the Division.
• Career development of the future leaders of the organization through mentoring, growth assignments, professional seminars, and other educational opportunities.
  
  

Skills/Abilities

• Able to solve complex problems.
• Understanding of the program / product lifecycle in one or more of the Engineering Areas.
• Able to drive broad organizational corrective action to improve business processes
• Knowledge of organizational and project-based performance metrics.
• Strong written and verbal communication, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Self-starter and the ability to set organizational vision and achieve results.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment is a must.
• Knowledge of industry and government regulations and certification standards (FAA, FDA, DO-178, etc.)
  
  

Education

Bachelor's degree required in an Engineering or technical field. (M.S. preferred)

Experience

10+ years of experience in an Engineering and/or Program Management. Including at least 5 years of experience managing individual contributors, managers, and cross-functional teams.

Additional Job Description

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

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

$150,000.00 - $300,000.00

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

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].