Program Manager 3

Kratos Defense

Fort Walton Beach, FL

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Fort Walton Beach, FL
POSTED
25 days ago

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manageris responsible fortheend-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 thesingle accountable owner for program execution, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver predictable outcomes.

This position reports to the VP of Programs and operates within the established PM governance model, 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 closeout
  • Serve as the primary point of accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and technical execution
  • Translate customer requirements and contractual obligations into executable program plans
  • Ensure all program commitments are clearly defined, tracked, and delivered

Schedule, Scope & Change Control

  • Develop andmaintainIntegrated Master Schedules (IMS)
  • Ensure schedule logic, dependencies, and milestones areaccurateand executable
  • Own program-level scope control and change management
  • Assess and communicate impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changes

Cross-Functional Integration

  • Lead cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance
  • Ensure engineering maturity, manufacturing readiness, and quality compliance align to program milestones
  • Resolve execution conflicts and constraintsimpactingdelivery
  • Reinforce clear ownership and accountability across functional teams

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

  • Identify, assess, and manage program risks and issues
  • Develop and execute mitigation and recovery plans
  • Escalate risks and issuesin accordance withMicro Systems (MSI) governance
  • Ensure corrective actions are clearly owned, tracked, and closed

Financial & Cost Management

  • Partner with the Cost Analyst to manage program cost, margin, and financial risk
  • Track Estimate-at-Completion (EAC), forecasts, and cost performance
  • Ensure financial impacts of program decisions and changes are visible and governed
  • Support trade studies and decision-making involving cost, schedule, and scope

Customer Interface & Communication

  • Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned programs
  • Lead customer reviews, milestone meetings, and status reporting
  • Ensure clear,accurate, and professional communication with customers
  • Protect MSI credibility by managing commitments and expectations

Reporting, Metrics & Operating Rhythm

  • Provideaccurateprogram status, metrics, and reportingin accordance withMSI cadence
  • Support Weekly Program Reviews, Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), and executive updates
  • Ensure program data isaccurate, current, and aligned across systems
  • Maintain transparency of program health to leadership

Compliance & Governance

  • Ensure program executioncomplies withAS9100D, contractual requirements, and internal procedures
  • Support audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities
  • Ensure adherence to ITAR, export controls, and data-handling requirements
  • Reinforce disciplined execution aligned to MSI standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • No direct people management responsibility unless otherwise assigned
  • Leads cross-functional teams through influence and accountability
  • Coordinates Program Analysts and functional contributors as part of program execution

Keyword: program management, IMS, scope control, change management, risk mitigation, cost control, EAC, cross functional leadership, engineering, supply chain, AS9100, ITAR, EVMS, APQP, aerospace, defense, PM
Required Experience:

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 considerations
  • Strong understanding of schedule management, risk management, and execution discipline
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments
  • Familiarity with EVMS, APQP, or structured program lifecycle frameworks
  • PMP or equivalent certification

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience inprogramor project management
  • Demonstrated experience leading programs with cost, schedule, and technical complexity

Preferred

  • Masters degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management
  • Experience supporting government or defense customers

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Office and manufacturing environments
  • May require extended hours during critical program milestones or recovery efforts
  • Occasional travel tocustomeror supplier sites may berequired

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • 025% asrequiredto support programs, customers, or supplier engagements

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSASSIGNED 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 AREINCIDENTAL 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

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From: Kratos Defense

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Kratos Defense