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