KBR, Inc

Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

KBR, Inc$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years in energetic explosives manufacturing operations.
  • Proven track record in managing large programs in defense contracting environments.
  • Comprehensive understanding of defense regulations like ITAR, DFARS, and FAR.
  • Expertise in Cost Account Management (CAM) or Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
  • Experience in Lean Manufacturing and Quality Control processes.
  • Experience with HMX and RDX production operations.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex programs from initiation to completion.
  • Manage scope, budget, schedule, and risk for program objectives.
  • Act as primary contact for program communications with stakeholders.
  • Create detailed program plans with performance metrics.
  • Coordinate product development efforts with R&D teams.
  • Mentor and lead cross-functional team members across various departments.
  • Oversee financial performance, including budgeting and forecasting.

Benefits

  • 401K plan with company match.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Life insurance and AD&D benefits.
  • Flexible spending accounts and disability coverage.
  • Paid time off and flexible work schedules.
  • Opportunities for professional training and development.
Full Job Description
Title:
Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

Program Summary

KBR's Chemical Plant & Munitions program supports critical national defense and government missions through the execution of complex manufacturing, construction, and commissioning efforts, into manufacturing operations. The program operates in highly regulated environments and requires close coordination between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality outcomes across the program lifecycle.

Job Summary

KBR is seeking a Director of Explosives Manufacturing to oversee the energetics plant scale up and lead the execution of large, complex defense programs supporting chemical plant and munitions manufacturing operations, specifically in production of HMX, RDX, and other new & novel energetics. This role is accountable for program performance across scope, production schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction. The Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership to integrated program teams, interfaces directly with customers and stakeholders, and ensures program objectives are met in alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to manage high-visibility programs with significant operational and financial impact.

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex programs from initiation through completion
  • Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and risk to ensure contractual and financial objectives are achieved
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for program-related communications with customers and key stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain detailed program plans, milestones, and performance metrics
  • Coordinate with R&D team to ensure proper business case for new product development efforts.
  • Along with Operations, develop detailed metrics and shop floor goals that will meet IBP/QBR forecasts.
  • Lead and mentor cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain functions
  • Responsible for RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on, etc.
  • Ensure proposed work fits in available production schedule.
  • Support development of BOE, along with Operations and Price Estimating.
  • Oversee program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements
  • Prepare and deliver program status reports and executive-level briefings to internal and external stakeholders
  • Support proposal development, capture activities, and long-range program growth strategies
  • Other duties as assigned


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing energetic explosives manufacturing facilities/plants (Construction and/or Production Operations)
  • Experience managing rolling 12-18 month production schedule available for Pricing new business, internal financial forecasts, headcount forecasts, etc.
  • RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on
  • Experience managing large, complex programs within the defense or government contracting environment
  • Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, and risk
  • Knowledge of defense industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR
  • Experience in Cost Account Management (CAM) or Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
  • Experience in Manufacturing with an understanding of Production processes, Quality Control, and Lean Manufacturing
  • Experience leading cross-functional, matrixed teams
  • HMX and/or RDX Production Operations Experience
  • Authorization to work in the United States


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
  • PMP or equivalent project management certification
  • Experience scaling up New Molecule Energetics
  • Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience
  • Experience supporting capture, proposal development, or program growth initiatives
  • Strong executive-level communication and presentation experience


Travel may be required to support manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customers.

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits including a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, paid time off, flexible work schedules, and professional training and development opportunities.

About KBR, Inc

KBR, Inc is an American engineering, procurement, and construction company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company provides services to customers in the energy, chemical, and government sectors, among others. KBR has a global presence, with operations in over 40 countries. The company was founded in 1901 as M.W. Kellogg Company and has undergone several name changes and mergers since then. KBR is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers while also being a responsible corporate citizen.
Learn more about KBR, Inc
Size
28,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$72 million
Founded
1919
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$5.7 billion
NASDAQ

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