Sr. Program/Customer Service Manager Self-Driving Truck Program

Job Description

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 arial 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.

Experience and Skills

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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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