Program Deputy Director - SPY-1

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense is seeking a Program Deputy Director to lead radar sustainment and modernization efforts for a government customer. The role oversees design, systems engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment planning, with responsibility for delivering technical excellence, cost-effective execution, and mission readiness alignment.

You will manage IPT interfaces, develop IMS/WBS, coordinate with government sponsors and industry partners, and lead proposals and ROMs for follow-on work.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in a relevant field.
• 15+ years in defense programs with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Experience managing radar, EW, or C5ISR hardware programs.
• Knowledge of government acquisition and sustainment practices.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of radar sustainment and modernization programs.
• Develop IMS, WBS, and baselines aligned to milestones.
• Coordinate technical tasking and reviews across IPTs.
• Manage government and subcontractor interfaces and reporting.
• Ensure readiness, affordability, and data control in execution.
• Support proposals, ROMs, and scope expansions for follow-on work.
• Identify opportunities for adjacent radar programs and strategic partnerships.
• Communicate with teams, sponsors, and leadership; travel up to 25%.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Cost & schedule control

Risk management

Government liaison

Education

BS/BA degree

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Deputy Director leads critical radar sustainment and modernization efforts for our government customer. The selected candidate will manage the planning, execution, and delivery of advanced radar refurbishment, testing, and integration activities. This role is pivotal to ensuring technical excellence, cost-effective execution, and alignment with US Department of War mission readiness objectives.

The Program Deputy Director will oversee efforts across design, systems engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment planning. Responsibilities span internal team leadership, coordination with government sponsors, and collaboration with key industry partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead execution of projects, managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk across multiple technical domains and phases (harvesting, prototyping, test, depot planning).
• Develop and manage integrated master schedules (IMS), work breakdown structures (WBS), and program management baselines in alignment with contractual milestones.
• Coordinate technical tasking and reviews across IPTs.
• Manage government and subcontractor relationships, serving as primary interface for all programmatic matters, including milestone reviews and performance reporting.
• Ensure alignment between engineering execution and government requirements for readiness, affordability, and technical data control.
• Lead development of proposals, ROMs, and scope expansions for follow-on phases and associated radar sustainment efforts.
• Support strategic business development by identifying opportunities to expand adjacent radar sustainment and modernization programs.
• Provide strategic thinking towards technical innovation and customer engagement.
• Maintain ongoing communication with team, suppliers, customers, and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with government program standards, data rights management, cybersecurity, and technical baseline control processes.

Essential Job Functions:

• Create and maintain program plans, cost models, and resource forecasts.
• Communicate and support internal and external resources (staff, facilities, and equipment).
• Create project milestone plans, schedules, and contract work breakdown structures as appropriate.
• Responsible for project budget, schedule, monitoring, and completion of goals and milestones in accordance with approved plans.
• Conduct recurring reviews of technical progress, financial, and risk mitigation plans.
• Oversee development of program artifacts including CONOPS, digital engineering deliverables, and sustainment documentation.
• Engage directly with government stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of issues, alignment with shipyard schedules, and program objectives.
• Coordinate across Kratos internal divisions and external OEMs to ensure seamless execution and technical continuity.
• Travel as needed to government sites, radar facilities, and Kratos integration locations (up to 25%).

Keyword: Program, Project, Deputy, Manager

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in defense programs, with at least 3 years in program or technical leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex Department of War hardware-intensive projects (e.g., radar, EW, or C5ISR systems).
• Working knowledge of government acquisition practices and sustainment planning (e.g., INCO, ILS, depot stand-up, shipyard coordination).
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Prior experience supporting NSWC Crane, PEO IWS, or NAVSEA programs.
• Familiarity with Department of War radar systems.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, MBSE, or advanced manufacturing as applied to radar systems.
• PMP certification or equivalent.

#LI-ACI & #LI-Onsite

From: Kratos Defense