Program Manager SME

KBR, Inc; Beavercreek Township (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, seeks a Program Manager SME to lead a senior client engagement for AFLCMC, shaping acquisition strategies and security guidance for a new ACAT II program.

You will act as a trusted advisor, align KBR capabilities with mission needs, and guide cross-functional teams to deliver complex defense programs with integrity and focus. The successful candidate will have top-secret clearance, a master’s degree in a relevant field, 15+ years in DoD acquisitions, and a proven

Qualifications

• Clearance Requirement: Top Secret.
• Master’s degree in business / engineering / aerospace and 15+ years of DoD acquisitions experience.
• Held senior Government Acquisition Management position.
• Demonstrated decision making and planning based on customer needs and data.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall execution of a strategic client engagement with responsibility for project performance, profitability, staffing, resource allocation, and delivery quality.
• Establish trusted advisor relationships with client leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop understanding of client mission objectives, operational priorities, and emerging challenges.
• Support development of acquisition strategies, security classification guidance, and other acquisition management activities for a new ACAT II program.
• Collaborate across KBR units to deliver integrated solutions to current and prospective customers.
• Mentor and lead project personnel while fostering excellence, accountability, and customer focus.

Skills

Defense acquisition

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Clearance: Top Secret

Education

Master’s degree in business / engineering / aerospace

Job description

Program Manager SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities.

In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Serve as KBR's senior lead for a new engagement supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Partner closely with government stakeholders to support the development of acquisition strategies, security classification guidance, and other acquisition management activities for a new ACAT II program.

As a trusted advisor, identify client challenges, align KBR capabilities to mission needs, and proactively uncover opportunities to expand the value KBR provides. The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility and leadership in supporting additional clients and growth initiatives as requirements emerge. This position requires a highly accomplished professional with exceptional business acumen, executive presence, leadership capability, customer relationship management expertise, and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading complex defense programs, building enduring client relationships, and driving business growth within the Department of Defense environment.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions. Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace. Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall execution of a strategic client engagement, with responsibility for project performance, profitability, staffing, resource allocation, and delivery quality.
• Establish and maintain trusted advisor relationships with client leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of client mission objectives, operational priorities, and emerging challenges.
• Support the development of acquisition strategies, security classification guidance, and other acquisition management activities for a new ACAT II program.
• Collaborate across KBR business units and technical organizations to bring innovative, integrated solutions to current and prospective customers.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with KBR functional and business leaders to ensure effective collaboration, resource alignment, and mission success.
• Mentor and lead project personnel while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and customer focus.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned defense acquisition professional with demonstrated experience supporting Air Force programs, leading customer‑facing engagements, and managing complex program execution. They possess the credibility and strategic mindset to operate effectively with senior government officials while identifying opportunities to expand customer relationships and deliver long‑term business growth for KBR.

Work Environment

• Location: Dayton, Ohio
• Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

• Clearance Requirement: Top Secret
• Master’s degree in business / engineering / aerospace and 15+ years of experience in DoD acquisition community
• Held senior Government Acquisition Management position
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and develop plans based on a deep understanding of customer needs and data
• Proven experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams
• Excellent communication skills, superior knowledge of business functions, exceptional budgeting, and finance skills, and strong organizational and leadership skills

Desired Qualifications

• 5 years of experience leading teams in DoD acquisition community

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 of 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.

KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World.

KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives.

In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology‑led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision‑makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.

Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.