New

Group Lead-GN&C System Architecture

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Aug 10, 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: The Systems Concepts and Design Division within the Systems Engineering directorate is seeking a Group Leader to manage its GN&C System Architecture Group. The Group Leader will be responsible for overseeing a group of approximately 15-20 engineers focused on developing integrated GN&C system concepts and architectures that best meet customer needs in the national security domain. They will also be responsible for establishing best practices in the following areas: * System concept development and design * Descriptive system modeling * Functional system modeling and simulation * System analysis The GN&C System Architecture Group Leader reports to the System Concepts & Design Engineering Division Leader. 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 Draper's 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 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 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: Preferred Qualifications: Experience in strategic weapons, DoD, space, GN&C, or inertial systems. Technical leadership experience as a Technical Director, Task Leader, or Principal Investigator in the development of new technologies or applications Foundational knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and processes Experience in system architecture, requirements, and/or design Demonstrated ability to present complex data in a compelling manner both verbally and visually Experience leading or contributing to technical and cost proposals Existing (active) US Government Security Clearance Security Requirement: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance 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: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00 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.