Deputy Program Manager

Deputy Program Manager

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our HEL programs support the U.S. Department of Defense in developing, integrating, testing, and fielding cutting-edge laser weapon systems that enhance national security and deliver decisive battlefield advantages. These efforts require deep technical expertise in controls engineering, systems integration, and real-time performance of laser subsystems under demanding operational conditions.

Kord is seeking a Deputy Program Manager (PDM) to join our team at our office in Huntsville, AL. The DPM will support a developmental HEL program with a customer based in Huntsville, AL. 25% travel required.

Program Summary

The Deputy Program Manager (DPM) supports the Program Manager in the execution of program objectives, ensuring performance against cost, schedule, technical, and production requirements. The DPM assists with program planning, financial management, customer engagement, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination to ensure successful program delivery and customer satisfaction.
The DPM serves as a liaison among customers, program leadership, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and support organizations, helping drive program execution and resolve issues efficiently. In the absence of the Program Manager, the DPM assumes leadership responsibilities and acts as the primary program point of contact.
This role provides an opportunity to further develop leadership and program management skills while contributing to the successful execution of advanced Department of Defense program.

Roles and Responsibilities

Support the Program Manager (PM) in the overall execution, management, and successful delivery of program objectives, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, schedule, and financial requirements.
Maintain and manage the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), ensuring alignment of program activities, critical path milestones, dependencies, and delivery commitments across all functional areas.
Lead and facilitate recurring program reviews, status meetings, and internal coordination meetings, providing actionable updates on program performance, risks, issues, and opportunities.
Assist the Program Manager with development and management of program financials, including Estimate at Complete (EAC), Estimate to Complete (ETC), forecasting, variance analysis, revenue recognition, and monthly financial reviews.
Support Earned Value Management System (EVMS) execution and reporting requirements, including Control Account Management (CAM), schedule performance analysis, cost performance tracking, and corrective action planning.
Prepare, coordinate, and deliver contractually required SDRL/CDRL deliverables, including Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), Customer Spend Plans, Integrated Master Schedules, risk registers, and other program management documentation.
Lead customer-facing Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Program Management Reviews (PMRs), milestone reviews, and status meetings as delegated by the Program Manager.
Serve as the primary point of contact and act on behalf of the Program Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of program execution and customer engagement.
Coordinate cross-functional activities among engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, contracts, finance, and logistics organizations to ensure successful program execution.
Participate in and support weekly program staff meetings, effectively communicating manufacturing priorities, quality concerns, supply chain constraints, contract modifications, and customer-directed actions.
Monitor program risks and opportunities, facilitate risk mitigation planning, and ensure effectiveness of action item closure processes.
Manage customer billing activities, invoice milestone tracking, and delivery schedule performance in accordance with contractual requirements and production schedules.
Support proposal development, Basis of Estimate (BOE) creation, staffing plans, contract modifications, and program growth initiatives as required.
Track program key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop management metrics to provide leadership visibility into cost, schedule, technical, and production performance.
Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable regulatory standards.
Foster strong customer relationships and maintain regular communication with customer representatives to ensure satisfaction and alignment on program objectives.

Basic Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship required.
Active Top Secret security clearance required; ability to maintain clearance throughout employment.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Program Management, Finance, or a related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting Department of War (DoW), aerospace, or defense-related programs, with increasing responsibility in program execution, project management, or operations leadership.
Demonstrated experience supporting program schedule, cost, and performance objectives.
Experience interacting directly with government customers, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Working knowledge of program management principles, including risk management, financial forecasting, integrated scheduling, and contract execution.
Experience developing and presenting program status to leadership and customers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Program Management, or a related technical discipline.
Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Earned Value Management (EVM), or related certification.
Experience serving as a Deputy Program Manager, Control Account Manager (CAM), Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, or equivalent leadership role.
Experience managing programs operating under Earned Value Management System (EVMS) requirements, including EAC, ETC, variance analysis, and performance reporting.
Experience supporting production and manufacturing programs from design through fielding and sustainment.
Experience working with High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Directed Energy technologies, counter-UAS systems, or other advanced defense technologies.
Technical background with engineering, systems integration, manufacturing, or test and evaluation experience.
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and operations personnel.
Experience coordinating geographically dispersed teams across multiple sites and customer locations.
Familiarity with Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS) tools and schedule analysis techniques.
Experience developing and delivering customer-facing technical and program management reviews, including TIMs, PMRs, SRRs, PDRs, and CDRs.
Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), and government contracting processes.
Experience supporting rapid prototyping, system integration, low-rate initial production (LRIP), or full-rate production programs.
Strong customer relationship management skills with a demonstrated ability to build trust and influence decision-making.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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