Job DescriptionReadiness Delivered. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions-always striving to do the right thing.
Kratos Space is looking for a Vice President of Applied Technology for its division office in
Herndon, VA.
The
Vice President of Applied Technology is a senior executive positioned at the intersection of R&D, engineering, program capture, and customer mission needs. This role is responsible for transforming advanced technologies into deployable, profitable, and contract winning solutions. Success requires deep mission domain and expertise, strong relationships across DoD and the Intelligence Community, and the ability to integrate technical, operational, and business perspectives into coherent strategies.
- Develop Technology Strategy & Roadmaps. Define 3-10-year technology investment strategies aligned with DoD modernization priorities (e.g., JADC2, AI/ML, EW, autonomy, space systems). Shape technology-based solutions that meet emerging requirements from industrial partners and classified customers (NRO, NSA, SOCOM, etc.). Partner across KRATOS Space business units to develop technology and market strategies.
- Transition R&D into Fieldable Capabilities. Lead the maturation of innovative technologies from concept to operational deployment, including:
- Prototyping and experimentation
- Integration with customer platforms
- Testing (ground/air/space)
- Certification & accreditation (e.g., ATO, cyber, export)
- Transition to production and sustainment
- Support Business Capture & Competitive Differentiation. Serve as a key technical leader in major captures, shaping discriminating solutions and win themes. Evaluate alternative technical approaches and articulate clear value propositions to customers. These include:
- SBIR/STTR transitions
- OTAs
- Rapid prototyping solicitations (RPPs)
- Full-rate production RFPs
- Customer Engagement & Mission Alignment. Build and maintain trusted relationships with DoD and IC program offices to identify mission gaps and future capability insertion opportunities. Serve as a technical liaison for priority programs. Develop and sustain relationships with:
- PEO offices (Program Executive Office)
- PMs (Program Managers)
- Requirements writers
- S&T organizations (e.g., DARPA, AFRL, ONR, ARL, SCO, DIU)
- Classified agencies (e.g., NRO, NSA, NGA)
- Develop Industrial Partnerships & Ecosystems. Identify collaboration opportunities that accelerate capability development and strengthen Kratos' competitive posture. Develop and sustain collaboration opportunities with:
- DoD/IC and Commercial Prime contractors
- National Laboratories (MIT Lincoln Labs, Johns Hopkins APL, etc.)
- Academia
- Leading technology companies (e.g., AI/ML, SDR and RF, autonomy, cyber, edge compute)
Experience and Skills- Former Chief Engineer, Chief Scientist, Chief Architect, or equivalent senior technical leadership role.
- Deep domain expertise in one or more areas: EW, C4ISR, SATCOM, avionics, autonomy, space ground systems, or related mission areas
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to convey complex technical concepts to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
- Prior US Government experience at the senior level, or a demonstrated record of direct engagement with government customers
- Experience collaborating with international partners on technology and business initiatives
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Strong understanding of the interdependencies among engineering, customer mission needs, and business capture
- Demonstrated ability to develop creative, effective solutions to complex technical and operational challenges.
- Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and deliver solutions aligned with customer and system requirements.
- TS/SCI with full scope polygraph
- Broad understanding of multiple technical disciplines and how they integrate into mission architectures
- Experience leading requirements development with customers and system engineers, including guiding software and system solutions.
Education and Experience- Required: BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or other STEM discipline. Masters degree preferred.
- Required: 15 years of related experience in engineering leadership, technology development, and proposal development/review.
#LI-Onsite Competitive salary based on experience and education
Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings-from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.
This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date. 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
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