Sr. Program/Customer Service Manager Self-Driving ...

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.Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, uncrewed arial systems and self-driving trucks. As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems to support National Security.At MSI, 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 autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today!GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:Oversee Ground Robotics programs and initiatives by leading cross-functional teams and cultivating strong customer relationships. This role spans the full lifecycle-from concept through development to production-focusing on autonomous vehicle technologies, such as remote control and leader-follower automated driving systems. Prior experience with self-driving technology and supporting Federal and State Departments of Transportation (DOT), particularly with vehicle deployment, asset purchasing, maintenance engineering, and program management, are required.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Ensure timely delivery of products and services in accordance with contractual obligationsLead cross-functional teams to develop proposals for existing contractsDraft and submit grant applications and formal project proposalsConduct both short- and long-range planning to achieve program goalsSupport Business Development within existing programsPrepare and circulate program status reports for internal and external stakeholdersBuild alignment around program objectives by interfacing with customers and suppliersLead customer reviews (formal/informal) to ensure contractual complianceCollaborate with internal departments to meet program requirementsMaintain ongoing communication with senior leadership regarding program issues, milestones, and achievementsAdhere to on-site work requirements during assigned hours, excluding approved PTO, FMLA, STD, and LTDOther Job FunctionsOperate independently with minimal supervisionTrain, mentor, and guide junior project managersPerform other duties as assignedSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position has no supervisory responsibilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES PREFERRED: Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaborationExperience supporting highway maintenance engineeringExperience supporting trucking logistics operationsProven leadership in dynamic, technical environments across design and production phasesStrategic and analytical skills to optimize team performance and project executionCustomer engagement experience with the ability to drive innovation and growth in Ground RoboticsExpertise in budget development and fiscal management to meet forecasting targetsAbility to manage complex schedules and production timelinesProficiency in technical documentation, including drawings, instructions, and proceduresHigh-level presentation and customer engagement capabilitiesPREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's degree in Program Management, Engineering, or a related field; PMP certification preferred10+ years of relevant management experience in highway maintenance engineering, and trucking logistics, or 15+ years including 10+ years in leadership roles8+ years of program or project management experience strongly preferredDemonstrated collaboration with local and state DOTsBudget planning and execution expertise strongly desiredProficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; MS Project experience preferredFamiliarity with contract negotiation and defense industry practicesBackground in technical fields such as RF design, digital systems, or software developmentExperience with Government standards and specificationsWORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Split time between office and production settingsAble to sit or stand for extended durationsCapable of repetitive keyboarding tasksAbility to lift up to 25 poundsWillingness to travel (domestic and international) up to 10%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 ABILITIESEEO/M/F/D/V#LI-Onsite

Created: 2026-04-02