Program Manager Defense Jobs in Huntsville, AL (NOW HIRING)

Program Summary

Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, delivers advanced defense solutions supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. Our programs span the development, integration, testing, production, deployment, and sustainment of complex weapon systems and mission-critical technologies that enhance warfighter capability and national security. These efforts require strong program leadership to manage technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, customer relationships, and cross-functional teams across the program lifecycle.

Job Summary

The Program Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of defense programs supporting the development, integration, production, testing, and fielding of advanced weapon systems and related technologies. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of assigned programs, including technical performance, financial execution, customer engagement, risk management, subcontractor oversight, and strategic planning.

The Program Manager will work closely with engineering, operations, contracts, finance, business development, and government stakeholders to ensure successful program execution while meeting customer requirements and company objectives. This position requires a demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex programs, and deliver results in dynamic and demanding defense environments.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of program execution to achieve customer requirements related to cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality.

• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and execution strategies.

• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, operations, logistics, supply chain, quality, and business support personnel.

• Serve as the primary customer interface for program execution, status reporting, issue resolution, and strategic engagement.

• Monitor program performance and implement corrective actions to address technical, schedule, cost, or resource challenges.

• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.

• Support proposal development, capture activities, program planning, and transition from contract award to execution.

• Oversee subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure alignment with program objectives and contractual requirements.

• Coordinate system development, integration, testing, production, deployment, and sustainment activities.

• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, contractual obligations, company policies, and applicable government regulations.

• Conduct internal and external program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reviews.

• Track and manage key program metrics, financial performance, resource utilization, and earned value data, as applicable.

• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, customer presentations, and program status reports.

• Foster a collaborative team environment that supports innovation, accountability, and mission success.

• Support strategic growth initiatives and identify opportunities for follow-on business and customer expansion.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Defense Studies,ora relateddiscipline.

• Minimum 8 years of experience managing or supporting defense, aerospace, government, or complex technical programs.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, production, test, and deployment activities.

• Demonstrated experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.

• Familiarity with government contracting requirements and defense acquisition processes.

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.

• Experience developing and presenting information to customers, senior leadership, and stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and program management tools.

• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Program Management, or related field.

• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management credentials.

• Experience managing weapon systems, defense platforms, military technologies, or complex engineering development programs.

• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, milestone reviews, systems engineering practices, and lifecycle management.

• Experience managing rapid prototyping, system integration, test, production, and fielding programs.

• Knowledge of Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and risk management processes.

• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams, subcontractors, and supplier networks.

• Prior military service or experience supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or other government agencies.

• Active DoD Secret orTop Secretsecurity clearance.

• Demonstrated record of successful customer engagement and program growth.

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.