Mission Assurance Division Leader

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Senior

Cambridge, MA

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Mission Assurance Division Leader at Draper will oversee a team of approximately 120 professionals focused on various quality assurance and management disciplines. This senior-level role involves providing technical leadership, aligning division activities with business needs, and ensuring the quality of project execution. The leader will report to the Director of Mission Assurance and will be responsible for strategic planning, staff development, and maintaining quality certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 120 people in various quality assurance areas.
• Develop and deliver executive briefings on performance metrics.
• Recommend improvements to business processes and follow up with executive leadership.
• Align division activities with evolving business needs and implement the Division's Strategic Plan.
• Provide business development and technical support as required by Draper program offices.
• Manage staff hiring and recruiting processes.
• Adjust organizational structure to support new initiatives.
• Maintain internal audit and continuous process improvement.
• Oversee the quality of execution of projects led by Division staff.
• Manage personnel resources for projects staffed by the Division.
• Facilitate career development for future leaders through mentoring and educational opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or technical field (M.S. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in Engineering and/or Program Management.
• At least 5 years of experience managing individual contributors, managers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of industry and government regulations and certification standards (FAA, FDA, DO-178, etc.).

Nice-to-haves

• Understanding of lean six sigma principles.
• Experience with proposal best practices, estimating, and technical writing.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100D, AS9145, CMMI Level III.

Benefits

• Workplace flexibility programs.
• Employee clubs (e.g., photography, yoga).
• Health and finance workshops.
• Off-site social events.
• Discounts to local museums and cultural activities.