Programs Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services Division is expanding rapidly across multiple mission areas. We are seeking a highly driven Strategic Growth Programs Director to lead business development and strategic market expansion across Directed Energy (DE), Counter-UAS (CUAS), and Small UAS (SUAS) domains while assisting in the missile-system technology domain. This leader will drive enterprise-level growth strategies, cultivate key customer and partner relationships, and position Kratos for long?term success in emerging high-priority markets. The Director will shape opportunity pipelines, lead capture and proposal strategies, influence requirements early, and guide internal/external investments that accelerate system development and deployment. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success in defense business development, a strong technical understanding of directed?energy, counter-threat systems, small unmanned aerial systems and a proven network across the U.S. government, defense industry, and key allied partners. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Market Leadership * Lead Kratos' strategic growth initiatives across the DE, CUAS, and SUAS markets and assist in missile-system markets, aligning with joint-service modernization priorities and emerging global threats. * Identify and pursue adjacent opportunities in small tactical weapon systems, modular effectors, and integrated sensor-to-shooter architectures. * Develop market strategies that reflect threat timelines, rapid-fielding needs, and customer acquisition pathways (FAR, OTAs, accelerated prototyping programs). Pipeline Development & Opportunity Shaping * Build and manage a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities across federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, DHS, DOE, and relevant reign Allied organizations. * Shape requirements and influence capability development early by engaging with key stakeholders and operational communities. * Use market intelligence to anticipate shifts in U.S. defense spending, capability gaps, and emerging mission requirements in the DE/CUAS/SUAS/missile ecosystem. Capture & Proposal Excellence * Lead capture planning, including competitive assessments, win strategies, pricing guidance, teaming decisions, and end-to-end proposal development. * Ensure proposal compliance with acquisition regulations and customer requirements. * Support technical writing, pricing, and solution-development activities across bid efforts. Customer & Partner Engagement * Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across DoD, DHS, DOE, experimentation labs, test-range communities, U.S. services, and allied partners. * Partner with industry primes, technology innovators, and mission-focused integrators to expand Kratos' presence in targeted markets. * Represent Kratos at conferences, trade shows, program-office events, and technical forums. Internal Collaboration & Special Projects * Drive priority Division special projects, advancing internal and external investments that support prototype development, demonstration, and transition to Programs of Record. * Collaborate with engineering, program management, advanced development, and production teams to ensure market strategies align with technology readiness, risk posture, and scaling requirements. * Support strategic planning, internal business case development, and cross-functional alignment for DE, CUAS, SUAS, and missile-system initiatives. Experience and Skills QUALIFICATIONS: Required: * 10+ years of experience in business development, acquisition, or program?management leadership in the defense sector. * Working knowledge of directed-energy systems, CUAS technologies, SUAS platforms, or missile-system architectures. * Familiarity with government acquisition processes (FAR, DFARS, OTAs) and rapid-fielding pathways. * Established, active network across DoD, defense industry partners, and key government stakeholders-capable of influencing requirements early in the lifecycle. * Excellent communication, briefing, and executive-engagement skills. * Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. * Ability to travel domestically up to 50%. Preferred: * Advanced Degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) in Engineering, Business, Physics, or related field. * Experience with prototype testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments, flight-test campaigns, or operational fielding of DE/CUAS/SUAS systems. * Experience shaping and winning major opportunities with RCCTO, AFTC, PEO Missiles & Space, Service DE/HEL offices, DHS C-UAS JCO, or equivalent organizations. EDUCATION: * Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related discipline. * Preferred: MBA, MS, or other advanced degree in a relevant field. LOCATION: Huntsville, AL strongly preferred. Other locations are possible depending on candidate experience. #LI-AC1 #LI-Onsite Job Benefits * Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
* Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
* 401(k) Savings Plan
* Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
* Paid Time-Off (PTO)
* Holidays
* Education Reimbursement