📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Program Manager - Growth & Capture
🔹 Company: Draper
🔹 Location: Cambridge, MA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Defense & Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting business development for Electronic Systems
- Developing and maintaining pipeline analytics
- Executing business area strategies and plans
- Tracking resource expenditures and optimizing ROI
- Providing input data for business reviews and updates
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of business development, data analysis, and program management. It is ideal for candidates with a diverse skill set and a desire to serve the nation's security.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and maintaining pipeline analytics, monitoring data integrity, and supporting reviews of opportunities and product line data
✅ Supporting the execution of business area strategies and business plans to capture new business and attain business goals
✅ Planning and tracking resource expenditure employed to achieve business goals and optimizing resource utilization to maximize ROI
✅ Providing quantified input data describing progress toward business goals for quarterly and yearly updates
✅ Maintaining a calendar of critical business pursuits and tracking accomplishments towards key milestones in the capture plan for each pursuit
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Engineering, Technical, or Business field of study
Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience in program management
Required Skills:
- Program management knowledge and skills
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work with technical teams and integrate inputs into reports
- Basic administrative principles
Preferred Skills:
- Understanding of the business development environment for contractors in the Defense and Intelligence communities
- Strong business acumen, MBA desirable
- Ability to work across the organization and build relationships
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a relevant field is required, candidates with equivalent experience and a strong skill set may also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 (Based on industry standards for mid-level program managers in the defense industry in the Cambridge, MA area)
Benefits:
- Work-life balance initiatives
- Employee clubs and workshops
- Social events and discounts
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Draper operates in the defense and space manufacturing industry, focusing on strategic systems, space systems, defense systems, and biomedical engineering, among others.
Company Size: Draper has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Draper was founded in 1954 and has since grown into a leading nonprofit engineering innovation company.
Company Description:
- Draper serves the nation's interests and security needs
- Advances technologies at the intersection of government, academia, and industry
- Cultivates the next generation of innovators
- Solves the most complex challenges through multidisciplinary teams
Company Specialties:
- Strategic Systems
- Space Systems
- Defense Systems
- Biomedical Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Human Systems Technology
- Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT)
- Autonomous Systems
- Precision Instrumentation
- Cybersecurity
- Microsystems
- Autonomy
- RF Systems
- Cyber Physical Systems
- Machine Learning
- Electromechanical Systems
- GNC
- Inertial Measurement
- Organ on a Chip
- Physical Sensing and Timing
Company Website: www.draper.com
ASSUMPTION: Draper's diverse range of specialties and multidisciplinary approach allows it to tackle complex challenges and innovate in various fields.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: The Associate Program Manager reports to the Director and Program Manager for Growth and Capture and works closely with the technical team and project staff
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding business development skills and knowledge
- Gaining experience in different business areas within Electronic Systems
- Advancing to a Program Manager or similar role with increased responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within Draper's Electronic Systems business area.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Draper's headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): 555 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-3563
Geographic Context:
- Cambridge is a vibrant, innovative city with a strong focus on technology and education
- It is located in the Greater Boston area, offering easy access to cultural attractions, sports events, and outdoor activities
- Cambridge has a diverse population and a lively arts scene
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for project needs and occasional overtime
ASSUMPTION: Draper's work environment is collaborative and innovative, with a strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and technical team members
- Final interview with the Director or Program Manager for Growth and Capture
Key Assessment Areas:
- Program management skills and experience
- Data analysis and interpretation abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work with technical teams and integrate inputs into reports
- Understanding of the business development environment in the defense industry
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant program management experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your understanding of Draper's mission and the role's responsibilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on program management, data analysis, and teamwork
ATS Keywords: Program management, business development, data analysis, pipeline, resource planning, ROI, capture plan, defense industry, technical team, reporting, communication
ASSUMPTION: Draper's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and fit for the role and the company's mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Business tools for data entry and management
- Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA)
- Spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
- Presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the project and team requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on solving complex challenges
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, innovative work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with technical teams and integrating inputs into reports?
- Do you have strong business acumen and a desire to serve the nation's security?
ASSUMPTION: Draper values candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and committed to solving complex challenges in the defense industry.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with complex data sets and ensuring data integrity
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities
- Adapting to changes in business strategies and priorities
- Navigating a large, diverse organization with multiple business areas
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong program management skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other program manager roles, this position focuses more on business development and data analysis
- In the defense industry, this role is similar to a Business Development Manager or Capture Manager, but with a stronger focus on data analysis and program management
- Career progression may include advancing to a Program Manager or similar role with increased responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its blend of program management, data analysis, and business development responsibilities within the defense industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new pipeline analytics system to improve data integrity and accuracy
- Executing a business area strategy to capture new business and achieve business goals
- Optimizing resource utilization to maximize ROI across multiple projects
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the importance of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support Draper's mission and the Electronic Systems business area?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Electronic Systems business area, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with the technical team and other business areas within Electronic Systems?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and Draper?
- How does Draper support work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the company, and its mission, while also providing valuable insights into the work environment and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant program management experience and skills
- Write a cover letter explaining your interest in Draper's mission and the role's responsibilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on program management, data analysis, and teamwork
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
