Director, Program Management

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 US 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.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

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 Director, Program Management must have an in-depth technical understanding of the platform and systems. Additionally, the Director, Program Management must have excellent leadership, project management, communication, customer management skills, and an advanced understanding of financial management (P&L). The Director, Program Management 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) to include technical engineering design documentation including but not limited to: requirements documents, performance specifications, system schematics, subsystem specifications, standard suite of software engineering documents, Engineering Bill of Materials, and maintain comprehensive configuration management of the complete system throughout its life cycle.
Ensures efficient, effective, and productive team activities are realized through development, maintenance, and management of the integrated master plan and schedule including 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 to the customer and other company personnel concerning resolution of technical, production, procurement and sustainment issues.
Investigates and performs root cause analysis on nonconforming product for assigned projects; troubleshoots problems with production and takes corrective action.
Establishes and maintains an excellent relationship 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 in collaboration with functional management to lead, plan, assign, and direct work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems for personnel on assigned programs.

Compensation: $215,000 - $250,000

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 tools and techniques (with advanced understanding) associated with earned value, risk, and schedule management.
• A 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.
• Able 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 skills, sales and negotiation, and financial management skills.
• Senior level technical and cost performance management using EVMS principles.
• Demonstrated mastery of development and use of Integrated Master Plans and Schedules (IMP/IMS), Risk and Opportunity Management Plans, use of a Structured Decision and Analysis Resolution process.
• Ability to work with minimal corporate oversight.
• A 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.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functionally to meet program/project requirements.
• Demonstrated 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 abilities 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.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with contract provisions applicable to contracts and subcontracts.
• Formal program management training and US military background.
• Certified CMMi program life cycle process implementation experience.

• Extensive knowledge of KUAS product lines, policies, and procedures.
• Hands-on skills in the areas of desktop computer applications (MSOffice), proposal development, and the opportunity management process.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in one of the following areas of study; Engineering, Business, Finance*
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in one of the following core competencies; Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance. Ideally in support of Department of Defense acquisition programs/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.

From: Kratos Defense