Business Manager

The Optical & Quantum Communications Group develops advanced laser communications technology for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. Primary areas of research include the development of sensitive, single-photon detector arrays, coherent modems, integrated photonic circuits, and novel modulation and coding approaches. Using these technologies, the group conducts research and development for a wide range of space, airborne, and terrestrial system applications, including terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware, and next-generation beam-director prototypes inherently scalable to deep-space systems.

The group has also initiated new research efforts into extending the range and utility of extremely photon-starved undersea communication transceivers and entanglement-based quantum communication networks.

Position Description

The Business Manager is a key member of the Group Office team with responsibility for facilitating the group’s technical execution through effective management of all financial, procurement, and administrative functions in the group.

Specific program level responsibilities include cost estimating, budget preparation, program/WBS creation, program schedule and milestone development, procurement planning, performance monitoring, internal/external reporting, and program closeouts. Additional responsibilities include space management, property management, management of general administrative processes, and other miscellaneous tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate will be

Team-oriented and collaborative, working successfully with Laboratory and external leadership

Independent with strong self-initiative, able to effectively complete tasks with minimal oversight

Proficient and professional in communications

Conscientious in the handling of private and classified information

Flexible to the needs of working with others in a fast-paced research environment

Ambitious to learn and grow through diverse experiences and continuing education

Proactive in tracking items and needs, navigating obstacles to enable work

Accountable to the needs, development, and advancement of a healthy group

The Business Manager’s role entails management of all aspects of the Group’s administrative and business functions to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the Group. These responsibilities include:

Preparing cost estimates, budget analysis, spend plans, expenditure documentation, and financial reporting

Analyzing trends and discrepancies from plan, tracking milestones, and performing risk assessments

Managing program-specific and overall group resources and financial health

Assisting in the preparation of proposals, statements of work, and new program packages

Managing and supervising the high-performing administrative team, writing and delivering annual performance reviews of administrative staff

Ensuring the Group’s administrative needs are met, to include procurements, property, IT compliance, office and laboratory space

Authorizing budget expenditures and procurements including active tracking of critical and long-lead items and the procurement of consultant services and labor subcontracts

Analyzing data and performing ad hoc reporting to help guide better decision making

Navigating policies and procedures related to human resources, space allocation, security, and program execution

Managing facilities including office space, lab space, and secure spaces, understanding the needs of the Group and collaborating with the Division Office, Director’s Office, and Facility Services Department to develop and implement the plan to achieve those needs

Managing and tracking personnel time allocation and comparing with spend plans

Assisting in initial program planning of deliverables, task-level budgets, schedules, and cost

Assisting in the execution and oversight of project execution

Maintaining a working knowledge of project management best practices and leadership skills to assist program managers and personnel

Communicating with internal personnel and external program managers and financial offices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering or Science
• 5 years of 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
• Desired Skills and Experience
• Master’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• MBA highly desired.
• Experience working in technology, science, academia or government

Experience with

Continuous Improvement (Lean, Six-Sigma, Agile)

Data Visualization (PowerBI, Tableau, etc.)

Project/operations management (Jira, Confluence, MS Project, etc.)

SAP S4

Analysis for Office (Excel and PowerPoint)

Success Factors

Field Glass

Concur

Hiring Range: $98,400-$130,200

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

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!

Please visit 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: 43472