Strategic Weapons Systems Program Leader

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Program Management Director to lead a portfolio of weapon system programs, overseeing development, integration, test, and production; you will serve as primary liaison with DoD and industry partners.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in aerospace/defense program management, proven leadership of dispersed teams, strong financial acumen, and experience in contract negotiations and customer engagement; U.S. citizen with active DoD clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in engineering, science, or related technical discipline.
• 12+ years in aerospace or defense program management, including at least 7 years leading complex programs.
• Leadership of geographically dispersed and cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing, managing, and analyzing budgets for complex defense programs.
• Experience participating in contract negotiations and senior-level customer engagement.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of program management processes and financial metrics.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must hold an active DoD Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of complex weapon system programs, including development, integration, test, and production activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communication, coordination, and negotiations across multiple DoD and industry stakeholders.
• Develop and manage comprehensive program plans, including schedules, milestones, contract WBS, resource allocations, and execution strategies.
• Oversee program performance across cost, schedule, technical readiness, risk, and customer satisfaction.
• Build, lead, mentor, and scale a program management team responsible for key weapon system efforts.
• Conduct strategic and technical reviews with customers, senior leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and business development.
• Participate in proposal development, cost estimating, and contract modification negotiations.
• Provide strategic insights to the Vice President of Weapons Systems on customer engagement, technology roadmaps, and competitive positioning.
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities across platforms, technologies, suppliers, and manufacturing sites.
• Exercise sound judgment, foster collaboration, and maintain a high level of team motivation and accountability.
• Support long-term customer relationships and help shape future program opportunities within the weapon systems domain.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Contract negotiations

Customer engagement

Analytical skills

Program management

Education

BS/BA in engineering or science

Job description

Kratos Defense in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Program Management Director to lead a portfolio of weapon system programs, overseeing development, integration, test, and production; you will serve as primary liaison with DoD and industry partners.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in aerospace/defense program management, proven leadership of dispersed teams, strong financial acumen, and experience in contract negotiations and customer engagement; U.S. citizen with active DoD clearance preferred.