NPI and Product Engineering Group Leader with Security Clearance

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 . 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 . Equal Employment Opportunity Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We understand the value of diversity 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, gender identity, 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 . Responsibilities As the Group Leader for New Product Introduction (NPI) and Product Engineering within the Product Engineering, Assembly, and Fabrication Division, you play an important role in ensuring the seamless transition of designs into scalable production. The core focus of this position is to engage early in the design phase, ensuring manufacturability and production readiness at scale; developing processes, engineering design changes that aid manufacturability, supply chain development and management, and transition-to-production. You will also be an active technical contributor on programs. Primary responsibilities include: Shaping the long-term success of the group by fostering a talented workforce and developing key capabilities aligned with customer needs. Regular collaboration with internal teams, Draper program offices, Customers/Sponsors, and external technical communities. Partnering with Customers/Sponsors, Draper program managers, and subject matter experts to develop and implement strategic plans and roadmaps. Acting as an advocate for product engineering within Draper, promoting concepts such as Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), and production planning. Supporting the technical and career growth of team members through regular reviews (trimester/annual performance), as well as advocating for leadership and training opportunities. Additional technical responsibilities may include: Guiding staff and program execution throughout design, development, integration, testing, and fielding of systems to ensure they meet technical, cost, and schedule requirements. Executing or overseeing Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) analysis, vendor partnership development, and transition-to-production planning. Facilitating the transition of prototype and production activities for Draper's low rate, high mix production programs to manufacturing engineering group. Providing expert guidance during the mechanical and electro-mechanical design phases to enhance manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Qualifications Bachelor of Science in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar with minimum 10 years' experience in high-technology product design and delivery. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams across multiple technical disciplines. Proven ability in developing tactical and strategic visions, budgets, and plans. Security Requirement: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. A current active clearance is preferred.