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Principal Program Finance Analyst

Draper
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Feb 2026
💰 $275,000/yr($100,000/yr$275,000/yr)

About the role

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 Program Finance Analyst, Principal will report to the Director of Program Finance. This role requires an ability to think independently, strategically and tactically to drive transformation, efficiency, and compliance in the area of Earned Value Management and Program Controls
This role is designed to design and implement core program control procedures and tools that will enhance the program offices ability to analyze data and ensure high fidelity deliverables to both internal and external customers. This role may be deployed to ensure robust and compliant baselines for new programs and to instill best practice on challenging programs. This role will lead the Program Controls Council, with the purpose of establishing a best of class implementation of earned value and program controls across the portfolio of programs.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Creating and instilling clearly defined procedures and artifacts that fully adhere to the 32 EVMS guidelines.
  • Ensuring fully compliant and robust baselining of new programs that include:
    • Proper scope decomposition
    • Strategic and compliant IMS
    • Proper earned value techniques
    • Properly budgeted PMB and MR
    • Compliant non-labor classification
  • Ensuring best practice in execution of Earned Value Management, including:
    • Fully compliant BCR process
    • Robust and consistent methods for DECM validation and compliance
    • Instilling proper QBD process and methodology
    • Establishing robust analytical tools, metrics, and processes to inform strategic decision making by the program team
    • Compliant risk management
    • Instilling standard and consistent program logs (corrective actions, CBB, estimated actuals, etc)
    • Fully compliant VAR process
    • Fully compliant CDRL submissions
  • Leading the Program Controls Council
  • Cross-functional collaboration to continue the cultural instilment of “best of class” program execution
  • Mentorship and guidance to PFAs, PMs, and CAMs for solving complex problems
  • Consultation to the Director of Program Finance
  • Leadership and guidance for internal and external audit

Skills/Abilities

Required Qualifications:

  • Experience leading teams in Earned Value Management, internal and external reporting requirements.
  • Experience with program level financial management, program controls, budgeting, forecasts, and monthly performance reporting
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to ensure tasks are completed on time and accurately
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel
  • Understands continuous improvement and supports the business as required
  • Experience working with many levels in an organization, and is comfortable independently leading very complex financial and program controls projects
  • Experience with Deltek solutions
  • Has a strong working knowledge industry regulations (FAR/DFARS)
  • Ability to balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment
  • Self-starter that is capable of working independently and in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Prior use or experience with COBRA, Open Plan, PM Compass & Acumen Risk

Education

  •  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; MBA preferred

Experience

  • 10 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a 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

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Company

Draper

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