Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

KBR Careers; Richmond (KY); On-site; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Director of Explosives Manufacturing to oversee the energetics plant scale up and lead execution of large defense programs involving production of HMX, RDX, and other energetic materials.

The role drives program performance across scope, schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction, providing day-to-day leadership to integrated program teams and interfacing with customers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing energetic explosives manufacturing facilities/plants (Construction and/or Production Operations)
• Experience managing large, complex programs within the defense or government contracting environment
• Knowledge of defense industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR
• Experience in Cost Account Management (CAM) or Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
• Experience in Manufacturing with an understanding of Production processes, Quality Control, and Lean Manufacturing

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex programs from initiation through completion
• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and risk to ensure contractual and financial objectives are achieved
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program-related communications with customers and key stakeholders
• Oversee program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements

Job description

Title

Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

Title

Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

KBR’s Chemical Plant & Munitions program supports critical national defense and government missions through the execution of complex manufacturing, construction, and commissioning efforts, into manufacturing operations. The program operates in highly regulated environments and requires close coordination between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver safe, compliant, and high‑quality outcomes across the program lifecycle.

Job Summary

KBR is seeking a Director of Explosives Manufacturing to oversee the energetics plant scale up and lead the execution of large, complex defense programs supporting chemical plant and munitions manufacturing operations, specifically in production of HMX, RDX, and other new & novel energetics. This role is accountable for program performance across scope, production schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction. The Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership to integrated program teams, interfaces directly with customers and stakeholders, and ensures program objectives are met in alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to manage high-visibility programs with significant operational and financial impact.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex programs from initiation through completion


• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and risk to ensure contractual and financial objectives are achieved


• Serve as the primary point of contact for program‑related communications with customers and key stakeholders


• Develop and maintain detailed program plans, milestones, and performance metrics


• Coordinate with R&D team to ensure proper business case for new product development efforts.


• Along with Operations, develop detailed metrics and shop floor goals that will meet IBP/QBR forecasts.


• Lead and mentor cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain functions


• Responsible for RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on, etc.


• Ensure proposed work fits in available production schedule.


• Support development of BOE, along with Operations and Price Estimating.


• Oversee program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control


• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements


• Prepare and deliver program status reports and executive‑level briefings to internal and external stakeholders


• Support proposal development, capture activities, and long‑range program growth strategies


• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing energetic explosives manufacturing facilities/plants (Construction and/or Production Operations)


• Experience managing rolling 12-18 month production schedule available for Pricing new business, internal financial forecasts, headcount forecasts, etc.


• RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on


• Experience managing large, complex programs within the defense or government contracting environment


• Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, and risk


• Knowledge of defense industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR


• Experience in Cost Account Management (CAM) or Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)


• Experience in Manufacturing with an understanding of Production processes, Quality Control, and Lean Manufacturing


• Experience leading cross‑functional, matrixed teams


• HMX and/or RDX Production Operations Experience


• Authorization to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field


• PMP or equivalent project management certification


• Experience scaling up New Molecule Energetics


• Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience


• Experience supporting capture, proposal development, or program growth initiatives


• Strong executive‑level communication and presentation experience

Travel may be required to support manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customers.

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits including a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, paid time off, flexible work schedules, and professional training and development opportunities.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

R2124622