Senior Defense Program Lead

KBR Careers; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Flexible spending account

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR, a defense contractor, seeks a Program Manager to lead planning, execution, and delivery of defense programs. Responsibilities include technical performance, financial execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement across engineering, contracts, finance, and government teams.

The role requires guiding multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, production, testing, and fielding of weapon systems, with a focus on meeting customer requirements and company objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Defense Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience managing or supporting defense, aerospace, government, or complex technical programs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, production, test, and deployment.
• Demonstrated experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
• Familiarity with government contracting requirements and defense acquisition processes.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience developing and presenting information to customers, senior leadership, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and program management tools.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of program execution to achieve customer requirements related to cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and execution strategies.
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, operations, logistics, supply chain, quality, and business support personnel.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for program execution, status reporting, issue resolution, and strategic engagement.
• Monitor program performance and implement corrective actions to address technical, schedule, cost, or resource challenges.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support proposal development, capture activities, program planning, and transition from contract award to execution.
• Oversee subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure alignment with program objectives and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate system development, integration, testing, production, deployment, and sustainment activities.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, contractual obligations, company policies, and applicable government regulations.
• Conduct internal and external program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reviews.
• Track and manage key program metrics, financial performance, resource utilization, and earned value data, as applicable.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, customer presentations, and program status reports.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that supports innovation, accountability, and mission success.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and identify opportunities for follow-on business and customer expansion.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Communication

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Defense Studies, or related

Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Program Management, or related field

Job description

KBR, a defense contractor, seeks a Program Manager to lead planning, execution, and delivery of defense programs. Responsibilities include technical performance, financial execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement across engineering, contracts, finance, and government teams.

The role requires guiding multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, production, testing, and fielding of weapon systems, with a focus on meeting customer requirements and company objectives.