Program Specialist

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned 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.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, 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 unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Specialist is responsible for supporting execution of Kratos business processes related to program management, business operations, and execution of customer contracts. Works under general supervision to track action items and resources, manage contractual delivery compliance, and prepare customer RFI responses. Exercises discretion and independent judgement to plan and coordinate deployed operation logistics, coordinate subcontractor deployment support, and manage Ground and Flight Operations updates with engineering team / customer / DCMA representatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Attends internal status meetings and maintains list of open actions and status related to program activities. Conducts regular follow-ups as required with team members to track action items to closure.
• Attends status meetings with customers and subcontractors and maintains list of open actions and status related to subcontractor requirements.
• Independently leads effort to maintain and update ground and flight operations (GFOPS) documents and coordinates changes with multiple customer Ground and Flight Representatives (GFR) as required. Ensures redlines are incorporated after each flight test event.
• Maintains program Configuration Management Plan, Program Quality Plan and internal Program-specific job guides to ensure compliance with internal business process updates.
• Maintains program contract data deliverable list and tracks items to closure. Provides bi-weekly updates to CD/DM team.
• Supports development of program CDRLs as required and consolidates team inputs into a quarterly program status report.
• Maintains digital copy of aircraft logbooks and submits updates to customer as required.
• Manages program/platform Integrated Risk Management tool and coordinates with engineering team, program manager and functionals to track status of risk management plan actions.
• Works with Project Scheduler and integrates control account manager (CAM) inputs into the program integrated master schedule (IMS). Identifies risk areas for PM engagement.
• Coordinates meetings as required to plan and communicate aspects of assigned projects.
• Works with Program Financial Analyst (PFA), Lead Engineer and scheduler to maintain resource-loaded schedule and updates SmartSheets to align with program resource requirements.
• Develops workflows as directed by Program Manager to ensure program schedule is maintained; identifies risks and possible solutions; may implement solutions across multiple functional organizations.
• Reviews proposals; works with Program Manager, Business Development, and engineering teams to understand proposal strategy and coordinate functional basis of estimate inputs.
• Independently interfaces with customer regularly, both in person and electronically to solve emergent issues. Primary customer POC for issues related to deployment logistics and CDRLs.
• Performs duties as recorder during program flight test events.
• May travel to various locations, both domestic and international.
• Leads effort to coordinate onsite logistics, including placing purchase orders for subcontract and material support. Coordinates on-site activities and scheduled travel of Kratos and subcontractor deployment personnel. Authors daily status reports.
• Communicates and represents the Company professionally with all levels of internal and external personnel.
• Follows safety procedures and protocols.

Other Job Functions

• May assist Program Manager to develop and implement a program strategy in alignment with overall company objectives.
• Exercises independent judgement at deployed locations to ensure team follows safety procedures and protocols, including reporting mishaps.
• Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean and organized.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None


COMPENSATION: $75,000 - $90,000

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government and Company standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers, peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• High degree of integrity; solid judgment and initiative.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel; including creating and delivering presentations as needed.
• Must be detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow assignments through to successful completion.
• Basic understanding of and experience working with FAR/DFAR and Contract requirements.
• Familiarity with contract provisions applicable to DoD contracts and subcontracts.
• Demonstrated ability to cross-functionally influence others to meet program/project requirements.
• Demonstrated abilities to plan, prioritize and manage work assignments independently to meet deadlines.
• Excellent customer relationship/management skills.
• Strong MS Office skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working on US Government programs
• Enjoys highly rewarding, fast paced job responsibility
• Experience working in an aircraft manufacturing environment and understanding operational strategies and challenges.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5+ years related experience supporting a program, preferably within DoD acquisitions/procurement environment or in the aerospace industry.
• Understanding of DCMA policies regarding aircraft operation and strong familiarity with DCMA instruction 8210-1D.

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze/interpret multiple sources of data into meaningful and useful information for the Program Management team.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding and computer work, phones, writing and reading).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• May require travel locally, domestically and/or international.

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