Program Manager – End-to-End Defense Programs

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Program Manager to lead end-to-end execution of customer programs, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to meet cost, schedule, and technical commitments. You will own scope, schedule, cost, and technical delivery, translate contractual obligations into executable plans, and ensure alignment with PMO governance.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams and managing risks and changes to keep programs on

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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, MORs, and executive updates.
• Ensure program data is accurate 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.
• Office and manufacturing environments; may require extended hours during critical milestones; occasional travel 0-25%.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Schedule management

Risk management

ITAR/export controls

Communication

Customer interface

Cost awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline

Tools

EVMS

APQP

Job description

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Program Manager to lead end-to-end execution of customer programs, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to meet cost, schedule, and technical commitments. You will own scope, schedule, cost, and technical delivery, translate contractual obligations into executable plans, and ensure alignment with PMO governance.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams and managing risks and changes to keep programs on