Director, Algorithms and Software

Company: Draper Labs
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: May 31, 2025

Job Description:

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 senior-level technical professional with the experience and demonstrated success essential to providing the technical leadership necessary to develop, apply, and deliver world class engineering capabilities to enable Draper's National Security Mission. The Algorithm and Software Directorate has approximately 400 engineers and scientists in the areas of Guidance, Navigation and Control, Autonomy, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Mission Critical Software, Application Software and Embedded Software. The Director reports directly to the Vice President of Engineering and will have between 10-15 direct reports comprised of directors and lead engineers.Job Description:Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide the vision and strategy to develop and maintain a high-performing organization.
• Partner with Engineering leadership and program office teams to ensure engineering and business objectives are achieved.
• Attract and retain high-potential employees to support the business; resolve resource / staffing issues.
• Identify and develop critical skills required to meet business objectives.
• Meet financial objectives (indirect expenses and labor utilization).
• Foster an atmosphere of collaboration that allows all team members to be empowered to innovate.
• Develop strategies for improving and optimizing organizational performance.
• Develop break-out opportunities and required corporate investments to secure them, develop capture plans, proposal strategies and teaming relationships in pursuit of new business.
• Develop and maintain measures related to performance, quality and affordability of Engineering solutions and lead adoption and continuous improvement activities.
• Establish goals and standards of performance, create budgets, staffing plans, and short and long-term strategic roadmaps/plans.
• Understand industry trends and best practices to ensure Draper develops and maintains the capabilities required to provide technical discriminators.Skills/Abilities
  • Strong program and people management skills.
  • Knowledge and expertise in technologies aligned to the business.
  • Experience managing firm fixed price contracts - in comparable leadership positions with frequent customer interaction.
  • Self-starting, visionary team builder with demonstrated leadership qualities.
  • Established network of contacts & government acquisition process in the intelligence community and supporting industry.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
  • Excellent understanding of the impact / role of technology on operations in: communications, collection, data analytics and cyber security.
  • Flexibility for frequent travel 30%.EducationRequires a Master's Degree or higher in Engineering or other technical discipline or Business Administration with a demonstrated equivalent technical background.ExperienceRequires15+ years management experience within Engineering and familiarity with DoD program execution.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:CambridgeJob Location - State:MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:02139-3563Our 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 .

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