Program Manager - Defense Industry

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed 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.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end execution of assigned customer programs, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and quality commitments are met in alignment with contractual requirements and internal operating discipline. This role serves as the single accountable owner for program execution, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver predictable outcomes.

Reporting to the Lead PMO, the Program Manager operates within the established PMO governance model and execution cadence, ensuring transparency, disciplined risk management, and timely escalation when performance deviates from plan.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Program Execution & Ownership

Own execution of assigned programs from contract award through delivery and closeout

Serve as the primary point of accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and technical execution

Translate customer requirements and contractual obligations into executable program plans

Ensure all program commitments are clearly defined, tracked, and delivered

Schedule, Scope & Change Control

Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) aligned with PMO standards

Ensure schedule logic, dependencies, and milestones are accurate and executable

Own program-level scope control and change management

Assess and communicate impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changes

Cross-Functional Integration

Lead cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance

Ensure engineering maturity, manufacturing readiness, and quality compliance align to program milestones

Resolve execution conflicts and constraints impacting delivery

Reinforce clear ownership and accountability across functional teams

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

Identify, assess, and manage program risks and issues

Develop and execute mitigation and recovery plans

Escalate risks and issues in accordance with PMO governance

Ensure corrective actions are clearly owned, tracked, and closed

Financial & Cost Management

Partner with the Cost Analyst to manage program cost, margin, and financial risk

Track Estimate-at-Completion (EAC), forecasts, and cost performance

Ensure financial impacts of program decisions and changes are visible and governed

Support trade studies and decision-making involving cost, schedule, and scope

Customer Interface & Communication

Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned programs

Lead customer reviews, milestone meetings, and status reporting

Ensure clear, accurate, and professional communication with customers

Protect TDI credibility by managing commitments and expectations

Reporting, Metrics & Operating Rhythm

Provide accurate program status, metrics, and reporting in accordance with PMO cadence

Support Weekly Program Reviews, Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), and executive updates

Ensure program data is accurate, current, and aligned across systems

Maintain transparency of program health to leadership

Compliance & Governance

Ensure program execution complies with AS9100D, contractual requirements, and internal procedures

Support audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities

Ensure adherence to ITAR, export controls, and data-handling requirements

Reinforce disciplined execution aligned to PMO standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct people management responsibility unless otherwise assigned

Leads cross-functional teams through influence and accountability

Coordinates Program Analysts and functional contributors as part of program execution

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

Strong program and project management experience in complex, cross-functional environments

Ability to integrate engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and finance considerations

Strong understanding of schedule management, risk management, and execution discipline

Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills

Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments

Familiarity with EVMS, APQP, or structured program lifecycle frameworks

PMP or equivalent certification

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline

8+ years of experience in program or project management

Demonstrated experience leading programs with cost, schedule, and technical complexity

Preferred

Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management

Experience supporting government or defense customers

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Office and manufacturing environments

May require extended hours during critical program milestones or recovery efforts

Occasional travel to customer or supplier sites may be required

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

0-25% as required to support programs, customers, or supplier engagements

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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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

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

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