Kratos Unmanned Systems
Sr. Program/Customer Service Manager Self-Driving Truck Program
Kratos Unmanned Systems, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, us, 32549
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 aerial 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.
Keyword: PMP, proposals, project management, program management, contracts, program planning, status reports, defense aerospace electronics, self‑driving
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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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 aerial 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.
Keyword: PMP, proposals, project management, program management, contracts, program planning, status reports, defense aerospace electronics, self‑driving
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
#LI-Onsite
#J-18808-Ljbffr