Senior Program Manager

About the role

Kratos delivers immersive, high-fidelity training environments that enhance readiness across air, ground, maritime, and space domains. Using advanced simulation systems that integrate Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), Kratos helps warfighters build tactical skills, improve decision-making, and accelerate operational performance before they enter live operations.

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end execution of assigned 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.

Responsibilities

• Defines program/project objectives, creates, and maintains program plan/schedule, and directly manages program budget to meet established company and customer objectives.
• Issues project instructions and controls changes to project scope and designs in compliance with established quality system.
• Ensures that the program/project team achieves objectives for scheduling, engineering, quality, and cost control.
• Breaks work down into manage tasks required to meet the objectives of the program/project and customer, which includes assigning and/or directing the work of others.
• Ensures satisfaction of all contractual and Statement of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Establishes a risk management program and ensures all risks are mitigated.
• Reports program status and performance as required by contract or management.
• Interfaces with the customer and other company personnel on technical, production, and procurement issues.
• Coordinates the cost estimates (labor & material) associated with out-of-scope activities or future work.
• Manages root cause analysis efforts on nonconforming products for assigned projects; troubleshoots problems with production and takes corrective action.
• Keeps customers informed of program schedules and status.
• Compiles, stores, and retrieves production data using computer.
• Coordinates and leads meetings as required to plan and communicate all aspects of assigned projects.
• Works with other internal departments to develop a resource allocation plan.
• Establishes the earned value baseline and monitors program metrics.
• Grows existing programs to increase revenues.
• Monitors program performance, formulates and takes corrective actions to mitigate deviations to the program plans, and alerts management of potential problems when necessary.
• Coordinates with multiple major contractors and/or Government users.
• Supports subcontractor development efforts, including delivery management.
• Ensures program quality assurance performance.
• Manages the integration and testing of hardware and software.
• Works with other internal program managers to develop a mutual resource allocation plan.
• Works with contracts personnel to identify out-of-scope activities and ensure contract deliverables are met.
• Oversees the receipt, assembly, test, and quality of deliverable hardware to customers.
• Follows safety precautions.
• Communicates and represents the Company professionally with all levels of internal and external personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Business, or Engineering.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management, from subordinates through the Division President and/or CEO, and appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Working knowledge of Department of Defense Acquisition Framework and associated design milestones.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management.
• Adept in Microsoft Office Suite, including working knowledge of MS Project.
• Demonstrates experience in problem-solving for complex, multi-skill required issues.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Simulation experience or background.
• Experience in development of military training systems.
• Experience in military operations, service, and/or military standards.
• Technical understanding of the basic principles of systems engineering for hardware and software-based systems.
• Technical ability to read engineering drawings and top-level design work products.
• Awareness of software CMMI principles and practices.
• PMP and/or DAWIA level 3 certification in Program Management.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage.
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) Savings Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid Time-Off (PTO).
• Holidays.
• Education Reimbursement.