Program Manager – Defense

Job Description 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 FUNCTIONS Program Execution & Ownership Own 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 delivered Schedule, Scope & Change Control Develop 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 changes Cross-Functional Integration Lead 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 teams Risk Management & Issue Resolution Identify, 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 closed Financial & Cost Management Partner 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 scope Customer Interface & Communication Serve 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 expectations Reporting, Metrics & Operating Rhythm Provide 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 leadership Compliance & Governance Ensure 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 standards Supervisory Responsibility No direct people management responsibility unless otherwise assignedLeads cross-functional teams through influence and accountabilityCoordinates Program Analysts and functional contributors as part of program execution Experience And Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Required Strong program and project management experience in complex, cross-functional environments Ability 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) Preferred Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environmentsFamiliarity with EVMS, APQP, or structured program lifecycle frameworksPMP or equivalent certification Required EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’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 complexity Preferred Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Program ManagementExperience supporting government or defense customers WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Office and manufacturing environmentsMay require extended hours during critical program milestones or recovery effortsOccasional travel to customer or supplier sites may be required TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 0–25% as required to support programs, customers, or supplier engagements 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 ABILITIES. EEO/M/F/D/V Job Benefits Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. EEO Is The Law Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded. Pay Transparency The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.