---

---

Location

Lexington, MA | United States

---

Job description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security, but to the advancement of science itself.  The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one-of-a-kind optical systems for terrestrial, airborne and space borne missions of national importance.  Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems on both manned and unmanned aircraft, and high energy laser optical systems.   The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under various challenging conditions.  Recently, this includes compact, extremely wide field-of-view space telescopes; ultra-compact, freeform optics-based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber encapsulated ultra-small optical imaging systems.  The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer-reviewed publications, patents and innovation awards.   The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.  

Position Description

Group 78 is seeking an experienced Business Manager to join a dynamic group office, encompassing a wide variety of financial, administrative and operations responsibilities.  We are particularly looking for team-oriented individuals with strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others to deliver in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.  A desirable trait would be the ability to learn, adapt, plan and lead through transformational changes that the group or organization is going through. This role will require a high level of professionalism in communications with all parties, a strong level of discretion in handling private and classified information, and an excellent ability to maintain situational awareness of Group, Division and Laboratory level matters.

There are five pillars that cover the priorities of this Business Management position:

Financial Excellence: cost estimating, budget analysis, spend plan management, business application expertise and financial reporting

Business Operations: administrative management and supervision, DoD ceiling management, resource management, policies and procedures, human resources, procurement, space, security and new programs, navigating obstacles and enabling technical work

Communication and Collaboration: written and verbal communication skills, internal and external networking, sponsor interaction and presentations skills

Initiative: self-motivation, independence, critical thinking, continuing education, and promote efficiency

Project Management: proposal preparation, understand goals and objectives, schedule and cost performance, and leadership skills

The Business Manager’s role entails management of all aspects of the Group’s administrative and business functions in operations management.  As an integral member of Group’s management team, the Business Manager will partner with the Group Office to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the Group.  The Business Manager’s financial responsibilities include cost estimation, proposal preparation and new program package submissions, program funding updates, authorization of budget expenditures, and status of both program-specific and overall-group financial health. The Business Manager will also be responsible ensuring the Group’s administrative needs are met, including procurements, property, IT compliance, office and laboratory space planning and labor allocation tracking and reporting.  Data analysis and ad hoc reporting is a daily task in a challenging data structure to help guide better decision making.

Financial Analysis and Reporting

In collaboration with program managers and the Group Office, develop new program packages including initial cost estimates and funding profiles, ensuring consistency between Grey Book write-up, statement of work, quad chart, and anticipated funding entries. 

Understanding in the nuances and differences between on contract and off contract program processed along with sponsor specific requirements and preferences are key.

Create program/task level cost estimates (in conjunction with program managers) and track budget to actuals. Analyze trends and discrepancies from plan, track milestones and risk assessments. 

Collaborate with Group Leaders to implement and manage resource planning. Reach out to employees and subcontractors to track time allocation compared to each program’s spend plan. 

Collaboration with teams outside the group and division is often necessary to agree to a plan ahead.

Manage program level financial reporting provided to sponsors and program managers.

In addition, the group has an annual operational budget and long-term investment strategies to manage and report back to the group office and up to the division office.

Procurement

Serves as primary point of contact for all the group’s procurements and actively tracks all critical and long lead-time procurements. Guide technical staff through the steps of the procurement process.

Review and edit all “statements of work” and “memorandums of justification” for clarity of purpose.

Manage the procurement of consultant services and subcontractor labor. 

Project Management

Provides program management financial support to Group Leaders and project managers as needed. Focus on assisting with initial program planning including all defined deliverables, task-level budgets, and schedules.

Maintain a working knowledge of project management best practices, to assist program managers during program execution.

Human Resources & Personnel Management

The Business Manager supports the Group Office and employees in matters related to recruiting and employment. Manage job postings within Success Factors, follow through after interviews to prepare offers. Help manage the group’s performance appraisal, goal setting and salary review processes.

Works to develop a high-performing administrative team and writes and delivers annual performance review of administrative staff.

Facilities

Develop the Group’s long-term office and lab space needs and collaborate with the Division Office, Director’s Office, and Facility Services Department to develop and implement the plan to achieve those needs.  This is a component of a long-term strategy with in the Division for new facilities and capabilities.

Requirements:

-Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or Science
-Master’s degree in Business or related field (MBA preferred)
-5-8 years applicable experience beyond degree is required
-Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Outlook)
-Ability to analyze, create and present financial results/reports
-Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills
-The ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance is required

 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

-Experience working in technology, science, academia or government
-SAP S4
-Analysis for Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
-Success Factors
-Field Glass
-Concur
-Product Line Management (ARAS Innovator Software)

 

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

-Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
-MIT-funded pension
-Matching 401K
-Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
-Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
-Mentorship programs
-A range of work-life balance options
-... and much more!  

 

our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of 
other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 40691 

---

Job tags

---

---

Salary