Project Manager

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Birmingham (AL); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in Birmingham, Alabama is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the management of multiple projects. This role requires over 10 years of project management experience, strong budget monitoring skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with technical teams. Responsibilities include managing project performance, facilitating communications, and preparing reports for stakeholders. Candidates must be US citizens and able to obtain security clearance. Competitive benefits are provided, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience, including contracting and negotiation.
• US Citizenship required; ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience with government contracting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage project performance across all phases including design and testing.
• Facilitate communication with Technical Project Leaders.
• Prepare detailed reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Project Management

Budget Monitoring

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The KSRE Project Management Office (KSRE PMO) is a specialized department responsible for the centralized, coordinated management of projects and activities conducted by various departments within KSRE. The PMO supports the division’s business strategy by handling management duties, including scheduling, reporting and budget monitoring, as well as coordination, communication, resource management, and process improvement. This position works directly with the technical leadership to facilitate their ability to maximize their research and testing effectiveness while providing transparency to the technical team and client at every project stage. The PM will report to the Program Management Manager and requires limited supervision of day‑to‑day tasks. This position is on‑site and is not remote or hybrid eligible.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely, communicate, and meet with Technical Project Leaders and/or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from project setup to project closure; facilitate regular discussions about project status, issues that may have an impact on the schedule, and financial matters.
• Build knowledge and awareness of various KSRE‑specific disciplines to better anticipate project challenges and opportunities and to integrate with Technical Leaders.
• Possess a complete understanding of contractual and financial commitments related to assigned projects; be knowledgeable about project scope, deliverable dates, billing, milestones, invoicing, and terms.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Acquisitions and experience with compliance with the Dept. of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Dept. of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Identify and document areas for process improvement within the department.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Understanding of various government and commercial funding pathways and task contract vehicles.
• Assist and lead proposal preparation with technical team including requirements review and analysis, technical writing, man‑power estimates, material estimates and final document review.
• Assist with project scheduling and prioritizing projects; adept at using Microsoft Project to create Gantt charts, as well as demonstrate expertise with other scheduling tools and methods.
• Adept at Microsoft Excel and demonstrate ability to create detailed cost estimating and financial models without the assistance of outside tools and software.
• Alert management of project overruns, missed deadlines, and any challenges that could have an impact on timelines and deliverable quality.
• Ensure that forecasting, revenue, milestone payments, and invoicing are completed in a timely manner for processing.
• Responsible for management of all aspects of project performance (technical oversight, contractual, administrative and financial) for all phases of program including: design, development, manufacture, assembly, test and operation.
• Provide high‑level technical and financial reports to show progress to corporate management and customers.
• Act as primary point of contact to customers and stakeholders to ensure system will meet or exceed all expectations.
• Monitor current and future technology trends and capabilities to identify how new technology can be integrated to better support project goals.
• Possess superior analytical and problem‑solving skills, ability to gain internal support, operate independently with limited supervision and feedback, and establish a solid working relationship with technical staff, division managers, and peers in government areas.
• Prepare detailed reports for internal and external customers. Manage contract modifications and task orders.
• Analyze and review governmental budgeting processes of governmental agencies/entities.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership and other management teams.
• Perform other duties as required by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DoD) SECRET.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in project management including contracting/proposal/negotiation experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master’s Degree in Engineering or Physics.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and/or coursework.
• Government contracting experience.

Job Specific Behaviors

• Attention to detail – ensures details of assigned tasks are followed.
• Stress tolerance – maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment; adjusts effectively to new structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Quality orientation – accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved; accurately checks processes, procedures and tasks; watches over a period of time.
• Planning and organization – systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action.
• Technical expertise – applies functional knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better and contribute to the organization’s intellectual capital.

Work Environment & Conditions

This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
• Shoe covers

Physical Demands

• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Climb ladders and stairs while performing work.

Travel

Moderate travel up to 30%, domestic and international, required.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/AD&D & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. EOE: Minorities, Females, Veterans, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America’s veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law.

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