Program Manager III

Position Overview

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 by leveraging proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks.

Program Manager III works on programs of higher complexity with a focus on technical, cost, and schedule performance along with business revenue growth. This role requires a strong understanding of the project management process, excellent communication and customer service skills, and the ability to motivate teams to succeed throughout planning, scheduling, implementation, and tracking processes.

At KUAS, a division of Kratos Defense, we foster an innovative, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment that values both professional advancement and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide organization leadership, develop business growth strategies, and manage program execution to meet contract and company commitments while championing process excellence.
• Oversee and lead program/project activities including proposal development, program performance, P&L management, and customer relationship management.
• Set effective performance objectives covering financial goals, contract/subcontract management, and resource allocation while monitoring program performance.
• Execute strategic and tactical planning activities, breaking work into manageable tasks and directing team members accordingly.
• Ensure satisfaction of all contractual and Statement of Work (SOW) requirements by establishing and managing risk mitigation strategies.
• Report program status and performance per contract or management requirements, interfacing with customers and internal teams on technical, production, and procurement issues.
• Coordinate labor and material cost estimates for out-of-scope or future work and perform root cause analysis on nonconforming products with corrective actions.
• Maintain open communication with customers regarding program schedules and status while adhering to safety precautions at all times.
• Directly manage and lead a matrixed cross-functional team, collaborating with functional management on interview processes, planning, delegation, performance appraisals, and team development.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to maintain sensitive, confidential, or classified information as required by government standards.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors while adhering to workplace rules and procedures.
• Experience in planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and directing complex software and hardware engineering projects using earned value, risk, and schedule management techniques.
• Strong understanding of engineering and development technologies with familiarity of applicable military and commercial specifications and standards.
• Demonstrated skills in leading major subcontractors and suppliers, negotiation, and team building.
• Ability to direct geographically diverse teams in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment with minimal corporate oversight.
• Expertise in technical and cost performance reporting, Integrated Master Plans and Schedules (IMP/IMS), and risk management processes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven track record in a high variety, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and delegate work assignments while providing technical and administrative guidance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business and Program Management Professional Certification with 5-10+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense acquisition programs/projects (or a minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in support of DoD contracts).
• Willingness to travel moderately to heavily (0-25%) and adapt to various work environments including office and manufacturing settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business or Engineering Management
• Demonstrated leadership in a complex development environment with familiarity of contract provisions and business financial systems/processes
• Leadership experience in the aerospace industry with formal program management training and experience in CMMi program life cycle process implementation
• Working knowledge of ISO9001/AS9100 requirements, Earned Value Management (EVM), and KUAS product lines, policies, and procedures
• Hands-on skills in desktop computer applications (MSOffice), proposal development, and opportunity management processes
• Ability to effectively communicate, influence, and gain commitment of stakeholders with solid presentation skills
• Eligibility or ability to meet requirements for access to classified information if needed