Job Description
Program Manager 3 Kratos Unmanned Systems United States, Florida, Fort Walton Beach 35 Hill Avenue Northwest (Show on map) Apr 18, 2026 GENERAL
JOB SUMMARY
The Program Manageriis responsible foritheiend-to-end execution of assigned customer programs, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and quality commitments are met in alignment with contractual requirements and internal operating discipline. This role serves as theisingle accountable owner for program execution, coordinating Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver predictable outcomes. This position reports to the VP of Programs and operates within the established PM governance model, ensuring transparency, disciplined risk management, and timely escalation when performance deviates from plan. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Program Execution & Ownership 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 Schedule, Scope & Change Control Develop andimaintainiIntegrated Master Schedules (IMS)
Ensure schedule logic, dependencies, and milestones areiaccurateiand executable
Own program-level scope control and change management
Assess and communicate impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changes Cross-Functional Integration 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 constraintsiimpactingidelivery
Reinforce clear ownership and accountability across functional teams Risk Management & Issue Resolution Identify, assess, and manage program risks and issues
Develop and execute mitigation and recovery plans
Escalate risks and issuesiin accordance withiMicro Systems (MSI) governance
Ensure corrective actions are clearly owned, tracked, and closed Financial & Cost Management 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 Customer Interface & Communication Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned programs
Lead customer reviews, milestone meetings, and status reporting
Ensure clear,iaccurate, and professional communication with customers
Protect MSI credibility by managing commitments and expectations Reporting, Metrics & Operating Rhythm Provideiaccurateiprogram status, metrics, and reportingiin accordance withiMSI cadence
Support Weekly Program Reviews, Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), and executive updates
Ensure program data isiaccurate, current, and aligned across systems
Maintain transparency of program health to leadership Compliance & Governance Ensure program executionicomplies withiAS9100D, 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 MSI standards SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
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 Keyword:
program management, IMS, scope control, change management, risk mitigation, cost control, EAC, cross functional leadership, engineering, supply chain, AS9100, ITAR, EVMS, APQP, aerospace, defense, PM
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required 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) Preferred Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments
Familiarity with EVMS, APQP, or structured program lifecycle frameworks
PMP or equivalent certification EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Bacheloris degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline
8+ years of experience iniprogramior project management
Demonstrated experience leading programs with cost, schedule, and technical complexity Preferred Masteris degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management
Experience supporting government or defense customers WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Office and manufacturing environments
May require extended hours during critical program milestones or recovery efforts
Occasional travel toicustomerior supplier sites may beirequired TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
0i25% asirequiredito support programs, customers, or supplier engagements THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY
INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED. A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT
AREiINCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB
PROFICIENTLY.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES EEO/M/F/D/V
#LI-Onsite From:
Kratos Defense