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System Interfaces and Design Group Lead


Job Location:

Cambridge, MA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 95000 - 245000
Posted: 30 August 2026 (4 days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview:

Draper is an independent nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge MA. The 2000 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 Systems Concepts and Design Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is seeking a Group Leader to manage its new System Interfaces and Design Group. The Group Leader will report to the System Concepts & Design Engineering Division Leader and be responsible for overseeing a group of approximately 15-20 engineers focused on developing complex systems that serve the national interest.

The Group will be focused on defining a system from both a requirements and architectural viewpoint. Its core areas of expertise will include:

Requirements development and management including decomposition of system level requirements to hardware and software

Logical functional and physical partitioning of systems

Interface definition and management (internal and external)

Systems analysis and trade studies

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 Drapers 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 Drapers 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:

Responsibilities and expectations of this role include:

Supporting the career growth of individual group members by managing performance goal formulation holding regular check-ins delivering annual performance reviews and advocating for technical and leadership opportunities

Collaborating with group members program offices sponsors other engineering groups and the external technical community to build capability in key areas that align Drapers capabilities with customer priorities

Maintaining awareness of staffing requirements writing job requisitions to hire for relevant staffing needs as required and interviewing job candidates to fill those needs

Promoting and directing internal and external R&D activities including development and alignment of research proposals with technology roadmaps collaborations with universities and direction of Scholar co-op and internship cohorts

Ensuring the quality of technical work products produced by the group contributing to the successful execution of ongoing projects

Attending management meetings and communicating relevant information from management to group members

Communicating issues and requests from group members to the Division Leader

Approving timesheets vacation requests travel requisitions and expense reports

Ensuring group compliance with Draper policies procedures and training requirements

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is required.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you dont 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

$95000.00 - $245000.00

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 agreements 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 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 .


Required Experience:

Manager


About Company

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As a nonprofit engineering innovation company, Draper solves demanding customer problems with innovative technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, program managers and administrative professionals drive the innovative solutions we deliver. Whether working at a ... View more

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