Director/ Senior Program Manager

Kratos is a leading technology, products, systems and software company addressing national security and commercial markets. We are a known innovator with a track record of internal investment in low-cost, reliable products and systems to meet critical and emerging warfighter needs. At Kratos we believe affordability is a technology.

Kratos SRE, a business segment of Kratos, is seeking a senior program manager to provide management, leadership, and oversight for the suborbital hypersonic launch program portfolio. Kratos provides rapid, hypersonic flight test capability for technology development to a variety of government and industry stakeholders. The Senior Program Manager is the team lead for program development and management including mission planning, systems engineering, procurement, integration of launch vehicles, and execution of flight tests. Simultaneous flight test campaigns are managed "end-to-end" using a broad and agile industry team with specialties in mission planning, design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and launch operations. The program manager performs strategic planning, business development, and government relations for the program customer and for Kratos.

The program manager will lead geographically dispersed multi-disciplinary teams, supporting launch vehicle integration and launch activities at globally dispersed sites. The program manager must have a deep understanding of program management processes, possess strong communication and customer service skills and be able to motivate teams. They must have strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of program finance. The program manager is involved in all stages of program execution and is responsible for ensuring success through detailed planning, scheduling, performance, and monitoring project tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead and manage a highly complex program with multiple subcontractors and teams executing multiple, simultaneous missions for a variety of stakeholders
• Lead and manage complex activities on a dynamic mission manifest, including development of new concepts and techniques to solve problems based on analysis and evaluation of data
• Create program and mission milestone plans, schedules, contract work breakdown structures, and resource plans
• Develop and manage program budget, schedule, monitoring, and completion of goals and milestones in accordance with approved plans and contract
• Lead and perform in-depth program, mission and technical reviews with the customer, internal stakeholders, and subcontractors
• Maintain ongoing communication with teammates, suppliers, customers, and Kratos leadership
• Provide clear guidance and strong leadership
• Develop proposals and cost estimates for updated mission pricing based on evolving customer requirements and Kratos business practices
• Provide strategic guidance related to technology innovation and customer engagement
• Demonstrate sound judgement, build consensus, and motivate teams
• Hire support staff for key program positions leading to rapid scaling and successful program execution
• Manage program risks and opportunities for missions, technologies, facilities, and the supply chain

Supervisory Responsibility: Theposition will have direct supervisory responsibility for program management staff directly supporting the program.

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA or higher degree in engineering or science
• Direct program leadership experience with geographically dispersed cross-functional teams
• A minimum of 12-years' experience, including 7 years' demonstrated experience leading aerospace or defense program/s
• Experience developing and managing budgets for complex programs
• Experience participating in contract negotiations
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must hold an active DoD Secret Clearance (or have the ability to obtain one)

Desired Qualifications:

• Direct program management experience of a large (>$100M), complex aerospace or defense program including responsibility for financial performance
• Direct program management experience of a launch vehicle or missile program
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification

Travel: Anticipated up to 30%.

Location: Preferred locations are Huntsville, Alabama; Crane, Indiana. Other locations will be considered depending on expertise and ability to travel.