Demo

Program Manager 2 - Space Superiority

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
Reston, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/16/2026

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:

Responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of medium to large sized projects/program(s) of considerable complexity.

Job Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Own overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations for medium to large sized projects/program(s) of considerable complexity.
  • Establish project/program performance measurement baseline.
  • Develop, implement and update resource allocation plans. Work with functional organizations to effectively recruit, retain and develop key talent for the business.
  • Manage and control all phases of projects/programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Act as primary customer contact for program activities, managing project/program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met.
  • Work closely with the Supply Chain organization in management of suppliers and monitor ongoing performance.
  • Identify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project/program opportunities, risks, and issues in terms of cost, schedule, technical elements and deliverables.
  • Establish strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs and expectations against plans. Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers.
  • Provide leadership oversight for the team creating an open, positive, inclusive environment to maintain high team morale.
  • Participate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables and changes.
  • Deploy appropriate quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support current and future growth of the business portfolio.
  • Manage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company's policies and processes.
  • Ensure effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders as well as impactful presentations.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Advanced knowledge of project/program management tools and processes such as Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and/or Opportunity/Risk/Issue Management.
  • Experience working government projects/programs with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external.
  • Able to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals.
  • Able to implement continuous improvement across projects/programs and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
  • Ability to travel on an as needed basis.
  • Ability to quickly learn new technologies and/or new applications.
  • Experience executing programs through all product lifecycles.
  • Ability to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder.
  • Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills.
  • Knowledge and proven track record of successful business interaction.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree (major in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred)

Experience:

  • 7 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required

Additional Job Description:

  • Strong understanding of DoW and/or IC customers, including knowledge of customer issues, market opportunities, and contracting procedures.
  • Manage capture campaigns across all phases of the business winning process, including building customer relationships, shaping opportunities, resource and budget allocation, proposal execution, and negotiation/definitization through award.
  • Understand the technical solutions being developed of sufficient depth to manage project/program/capture execution and assess technical and programmatic risks.
  • May require travel up to 25% on an as needed basis.

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

Current in scope Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility is required.

Current or the ability to obtain a CI Poly is required.

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:

Reston

Job Location - State:

Virginia

Job Location - Postal Code:

20190

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$100,000.00 - $275,000.00

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 agreement's 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 www.draper.com/careers.

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 hr@draper.com.

Salary : $100,000 - $275,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Program Manager 2 - Space Superiority?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Program Manager 2 - Space Superiority career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$88,764 - $116,465
Income Estimation: 
$90,211 - $164,353
Income Estimation: 
$110,276 - $164,105
Income Estimation: 
$95,007 - $124,623
Income Estimation: 
$89,191 - $127,928
Income Estimation: 
$177,932 - $225,503
Income Estimation: 
$208,896 - $274,954
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.

  • The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. Cambridge, MA
  • Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle importa... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. Cambridge, MA
  • Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle importa... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. Cambridge, MA
  • Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle importa... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. Cambridge, MA
  • Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle importa... more
  • 3 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Program Manager 2 - Space Superiority jobs in the Reston, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Draper Reston, VA
  • Overview Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000 employees of Draper tackle importan... more
  • Just Posted

  • Auria Space Washington, DC
  • Auria is looking to hire a Senior Program Manager to support the ATLAS / MOSSAIC program. This role is Remote with a preference in Colorado Springs, Albuqu... more
  • 8 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!