Director, Program Management

Job Description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology.

We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we’ve demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the U.S. military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

General Job Summary

The Director, Program Management Lead is responsible for managing the program portfolio throughout the product life cycle to ensure performance requirements are met while meeting cost, schedule, quality, and forecasted business plans and growth. The role requires in‑depth technical understanding of the platform and systems, excellent leadership, project management, communication, customer management skills, and an advanced understanding of financial management (P&L). The Director is responsible for all phases of the product life cycle: conceptual, development, manufacturing, and sustainment.

Essential Job Functions

• Proactively provides organization leadership, develops business plans & growth strategies, manages program execution to meet contract and company commitments, and champions process excellence to continually improve operations and performance of the assigned tactical weapon system.
• Establishes product baseline(s) including technical engineering design documentation—requirements documents, performance specifications, system schematics, subsystem specifications, standard suite of software engineering documents, Engineering Bill of Materials—and maintains comprehensive configuration management of the complete system throughout its life cycle.
• Ensures efficient, effective, and productive team activities through development, maintenance, and management of the integrated master plan and schedule for development, procurement, manufacturing, sustainment, and product enhancements.
• Develops achievable program performance requirements including financial objectives, contract and subcontract management, customer relationship management, and resource management; drives performance and ensures current customer expectations and company objectives are met.
• Provides oversight and leadership for the program portfolio of products and ensures contractual requirements are met.
• Responsible for proposal development, program performance, P&L, and business growth for assigned platform.
• Ensures satisfaction of all contractual and Statement of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Identifies and manages risk in accordance with the company risk management process.
• Reports program status and performance as required by contract or management.
• Proactively develops plans, drives actions, and effectively communicates with the customer and other company personnel regarding resolution of technical, production, procurement, and sustainment issues.
• Investigates and performs root cause analysis on nonconforming product for assigned projects; troubleshoots production problems and takes corrective action.
• Establishes and maintains excellent relationships with customers.
• Follows safety precautions and ensures program team members always operate safely.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Manages cross‑functional program team consisting of engineering, manufacturing, contracts, procurement, quality, administrative, and other departments assigned to designated programs. Works with functional management to lead, plan, assign, and direct work; appraises performance; rewards, coaches, and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves problems for personnel on assigned programs.

Compensation

$215,000 - $250,000

Experience and Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Required)

• High degree of leadership capability in the aerospace industry.
• Proactive, initiative‑based work style.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, staff, control, and direct complex software and hardware engineering (development) and production projects using earned value, risk, and schedule management tools with advanced understanding.
• Thorough understanding of engineering, development technologies, and applicable military and commercial specifications and standards.
• Demonstrated capability to lead major subcontractors and suppliers in meeting challenging schedules.
• Demonstrated negotiation and team‑building skills.
• Ability to effectively direct goal‑oriented activities of a geographically diverse team in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• Strong combination of technical skills, program management, sales and negotiation, and financial management skills.
• Senior level technical and cost performance management using EVMS principles.
• Mastery of Integrated Master Plans and Schedules (IMP/IMS), Risk and Opportunity Management Plans, and structured decision‑making and analysis resolution processes.
• Ability to work with minimal corporate oversight.
• High degree of innovation and creativity.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• Ability to influence cross‑functionally to meet program/project requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven track record in a high‑variety, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of the marketplace and customer needs, objectives, and expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and delegate work assignments.
• Skills and abilities to provide technical and administrative guidance for activities in defined scope of responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of management and individual contributors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Preferred)

• Familiarity with contract provisions applicable to contracts and subcontracts.
• Formal program management training and U.S. military background.
• Certified CMMi program life cycle process implementation experience.
• Extensive knowledge of KUAS product lines, policies, and procedures.
• Hands‑on skills in desktop computer applications (MS Office), proposal development, and opportunity management.

Education and Experience (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Finance.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Finance—ideally supporting Department of Defense acquisition programs or projects.
• Must be able to hold a Secret security clearance.
• In lieu of the educational requirements, a minimum of 20 years of experience in support of DoD contracts may be considered.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kratos Defense is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America’s veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [email protected] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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