Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Sr. Program/Customer Service Manager Self-Driving Truck Program

Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Program Management, Engineering, or related field; PMP preferred
  • 10+ years in management roles with highway maintenance or logistics experience
  • 8+ years in program or project management preferred
  • Experience with local/state DOT collaboration
  • Proficiency in MS Office; MS Project preferred
  • Strong background in contract negotiation and defense practices

Responsibilities

  • Oversee Ground Robotics programs from concept to production
  • Lead cross-functional teams to drive proposal development
  • Draft and submit grant applications and project proposals
  • Conduct short- and long-term program planning
  • Support existing programs through Business Development efforts
  • Prepare program status reports for stakeholders
  • Facilitate customer reviews to ensure contract compliance

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Flexible scheduling with respect for personal and family life
  • Support for a dynamic workplace culture
  • Engagement in cutting-edge defense technology sectors
Full Job Description
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, uncrewed arial systems and self-driving trucks. As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems to support National Security.

At MSI, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Oversee Ground Robotics programs and initiatives by leading cross-functional teams and cultivating strong customer relationships. This role spans the full lifecycle-from concept through development to production-focusing on autonomous vehicle technologies, such as remote control and leader-follower automated driving systems. Prior experience with self-driving technology and supporting Federal and State Departments of Transportation (DOT), particularly with vehicle deployment, asset purchasing, maintenance engineering, and program management, are required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Ensure timely delivery of products and services in accordance with contractual obligations
  • Lead cross-functional teams to develop proposals for existing contracts
  • Draft and submit grant applications and formal project proposals
  • Conduct both short- and long-range planning to achieve program goals
  • Support Business Development within existing programs
  • Prepare and circulate program status reports for internal and external stakeholders
  • Build alignment around program objectives by interfacing with customers and suppliers
  • Lead customer reviews (formal/informal) to ensure contractual compliance
  • Collaborate with internal departments to meet program requirements
  • Maintain ongoing communication with senior leadership regarding program issues, milestones, and achievements
  • Adhere to on-site work requirements during assigned hours, excluding approved PTO, FMLA, STD, and LTD

Other Job Functions
  • Operate independently with minimal supervision
  • Train, mentor, and guide junior project managers
  • Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES PREFERRED:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration
  • Experience supporting highway maintenance engineering
  • Experience supporting trucking logistics operations
  • Proven leadership in dynamic, technical environments across design and production phases
  • Strategic and analytical skills to optimize team performance and project execution
  • Customer engagement experience with the ability to drive innovation and growth in Ground Robotics
  • Expertise in budget development and fiscal management to meet forecasting targets
  • Ability to manage complex schedules and production timelines
  • Proficiency in technical documentation, including drawings, instructions, and procedures
  • High-level presentation and customer engagement capabilities

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in Program Management, Engineering, or a related field; PMP certification preferred
  • 10+ years of relevant management experience in highway maintenance engineering, and trucking logistics, or 15+ years including 10+ years in leadership roles
  • 8+ years of program or project management experience strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated collaboration with local and state DOTs
  • Budget planning and execution expertise strongly desired
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; MS Project experience preferred
  • Familiarity with contract negotiation and defense industry practices
  • Background in technical fields such as RF design, digital systems, or software development
  • Experience with Government standards and specifications

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Split time between office and production settings
  • Able to sit or stand for extended durations
  • Capable of repetitive keyboarding tasks
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Willingness to travel (domestic and international) up to 10%


THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED 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 ARE INCIDENTAL 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. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

EEO/M/F/D/V

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About Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, solutions, and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Kratos Government Solutions, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety & Security. The Kratos Government Solutions segment offers microwave electronic products, satellite communications, training systems, modular systems, and defense and rocket support services. The Unmanned Systems segment provides unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne, as well as command, control, and communications systems. The Public Safety & Security segment designs, engineers, deploys, operates, integrates, maintains, and operates security and surveillance solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, government, and commercial customers. The company serves national security related agencies, the department of defense, intelligence agencies, and classified agencies, as well as international government agencies and domestic and international commercial customers; and critical infrastructure, power generation, power transport, nuclear energy, financial, IT, healthcare, education, transportation, and petro-chemical industries, as well as government and military customers. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Size
3,300 employees
Market Cap
$1.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.6 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$747.6 million
NASDAQ

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