Program Manager - Defense Industry

kratos defense & security solutions, inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed 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 as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

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.

• 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

• develop and maintain integrated master schedules (ims) aligned with pmo standards
• ensure schedule logic, dependencies, and milestones are accurate and executable
• own program-level scope control and change management
• assess and communicate impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changes

• 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 constraints impacting delivery
• reinforce clear ownership and accountability across functional teams

• identify, assess, and manage program risks and issues
• develop and execute mitigation and recovery plans
• escalate risks and issues in accordance with pmo governance
• ensure corrective actions are clearly owned, tracked, and closed

• 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

• 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 tdi credibility by managing commitments and expectations

• provide accurate program status, metrics, and reporting in accordance with pmo cadence
• support weekly program reviews, monthly operating reviews (mors), and executive updates
• ensure program data is accurate, current, and aligned across systems
• maintain transparency of program health to leadership

• ensure program execution complies with as9100d, 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 pmo standards

• 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, cross-functional leadership, schedule management, risk management, cost control, customer interface, aerospace, defense, as9100d, itar, pmo governance

• 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)

• experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments
• familiarity with evms, apqp, or structured program lifecycle frameworks
• pmp or equivalent certification