Group Leader–Production Test Development and Execution

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: The Production, Mission, Operations & Enhancements (PMOE) Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is establishing a new Production Test Development and Execution group. This group will provide the logistics, integration, and test execution capabilities needed to mature Draper hardware to a production ready state and to hand that hardware over to the Operations organization. The Group Leader will manage a multidisciplinary team of test technicians, test engineers, and logistics specialists (10 16 members) that will develop and execute high fidelity integration test campaigns, manage the flow of hardware through the logistics chain, and deliver complete, validated test packages that enable a seamless transition to low rate production. The Group accomplishes its work through close collaboration with program offices, customers/sponsors, other Draper engineering groups, and the external technical community. The focus is on delivering verifiable, repeatable test data and a well controlled logistics process that support the development of highly reliable, complex systems for warfighter missions. Responsibilities 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. 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 Draper’s 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 Draper's 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 ab