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 FUNCTIONSProgram Execution & OwnershipOwn execution of assigned programs from contract award through delivery and closeoutServe as the primary point of accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and technical executionTranslate customer requirements and contractual obligations into executable program plansEnsure all program commitments are clearly defined, tracked, and deliveredSchedule, Scope & Change ControlDevelop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) aligned with PMO standardsEnsure schedule logic, dependencies, and milestones are accurate and executableOwn program-level scope control and change managementAssess and communicate impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changesCross-Functional IntegrationLead cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and FinanceEnsure engineering maturity, manufacturing readiness, and quality compliance align to program milestonesResolve execution conflicts and constraints impacting deliveryReinforce clear ownership and accountability across functional teamsRisk Management & Issue ResolutionIdentify, assess, and manage program risks and issuesDevelop and execute mitigation and recovery plansEscalate risks and issues in accordance with PMO governanceEnsure corrective actions are clearly owned, tracked, and closedFinancial & Cost ManagementPartner with the Cost Analyst to manage program cost, margin, and financial riskTrack Estimate-at-Completion (EAC), forecasts, and cost performanceEnsure financial impacts of program decisions and changes are visible and governedSupport trade studies and decision-making involving cost, schedule, and scopeCustomer Interface & CommunicationServe as the primary customer interface for assigned programsLead customer reviews, milestone meetings, and status reportingEnsure clear, accurate, and professional communication with customersProtect TDI credibility by managing commitments and expectationsReporting, Metrics & Operating RhythmProvide accurate program status, metrics, and reporting in accordance with PMO cadenceSupport Weekly Program Reviews, Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), and executive updatesEnsure program data is accurate, current, and aligned across systemsMaintain transparency of program health to leadershipCompliance & GovernanceEnsure program execution complies with AS9100D, contractual requirements, and internal proceduresSupport audits, customer reviews, and compliance activitiesEnsure adherence to ITAR, export controls, and data-handling requirementsReinforce disciplined execution aligned to PMO standardsSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYNo direct people management responsibility unless otherwise assignedLeads cross-functional teams through influence and accountabilityCoordinates Program Analysts and functional contributors as part of program executionKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESRequiredStrong program and project management experience in complex, cross-functional environmentsAbility to integrate engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and finance considerationsStrong understanding of schedule management, risk management, and execution disciplineExcellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skillsAbility to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)PreferredExperience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environmentsFamiliarity with EVMS, APQP, or structured program lifecycle frameworksPMP or equivalent certificationEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCERequiredBachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline8+ years of experience in program or project managementDemonstrated experience leading programs with cost, schedule, and technical complexityPreferredMaster's degree in Engineering, Business, or Program ManagementExperience supporting government or defense customersWORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSOffice and manufacturing environmentsMay require extended hours during critical program milestones or recovery effortsOccasional travel to customer or supplier sites may be requiredTRAVEL REQUIREMENTS0-25% as required to support programs, customers, or supplier engagementsTHE 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.EEO/M/F/D/V#LI-Onsite

Created: 2026-04-02