Vice President for Product Engineering & Development

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers mission critical needs and requirements. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front to enable successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and to our government and commercial customers. This industry leadership is driving the need for a VP for Product Engineering & Development that will grow an opportunity into a major market area for Kratos and Kratos Customers.

The Vice President for Product Engineering & Development is responsible for operations leadership of Kratos system product development and production activities. This individual will direct resources to expedite capacity development for maximum growth and profitability. Responsibilities comprise overseeing all development activities to include, but not limited to, market research, system engineering, product development and execution, facilities design and management, supply chain development, hiring, training, manufacturing process development/improvement, budgeting and financial reporting. The candidate will provide guidance and recommendations to Company executive leadership regarding facility optimization for maximum productivity, time to market, and profitability.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Shape and develop Company product engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
• Capture and execute component programs and product production for US and International customers.
• Maintain a close relationship with critical Prime contractor leadership.
• Oversee facility site selection, construction, and modernization initiatives.
• Identify and coordinate acquisition of facility production hardware, software, and test resources.
• Oversee workforce hiring and training activities.
• Identify and implement processes to ensure proper technical and financial reporting structures in manufacturing/production business areas.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for accelerating production and/or reducing cost across the Companyis product portfolio.
• Identify, develop, and manage vendor partnerships that lead to accelerated execution of programs.
• Develop Operating Budget, Rate Structure and Goals/Objectives that are consistent with the Companyis overall strategy.
• Oversee the development of program rate structure.
• Develop the annual operating budget.
• Develop performance goals tailored to each product area.
• Develop operational/production goals which are aggressive, yet obtainable, and tied to long-term goals of the Company.
• Monitor performance against established goals to ensure continuous progress and prompt corrective action as necessary.
• Ensure adherence to annual operational budgets.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees Company product portfolio business strategy to ensure execution of Company business plan for growth and profit. Responsible for product development business P&L.
• Manages a diverse team of subject matter experts, developing plans, providing recommendations, and monitoring and auditing operations across a broad range of activities.
• Identifies and implements improvements to organizational reporting structures for manufacturing operations.
• Develops and creates manufacturing strategies and policies aligned with Company goals.
• Identifies and implements improved processes and management methods to generate higher ROI and workflow optimization.
• Assures department personnel comply with the policies, sound business practices and compliance with applicable regulations and requirements.
• Represents the company at technical conferences and other marketing events that promote the expertise and capabilities of the company.
• Conducts briefings for senior staff, customers, and prospective customer representatives.
• Fosters and promotes ethical conduct and personal integrity in the workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science-related field.
• Master of Science (or equivalent) degree in iengineering or science-related field, production, or business-related area.
• Experience related to product system design, manufacturing, and integration.
• 15 or more years of progressive experience in the aerospace and defense industry managing large and complex projects where excellent contract performance and employee management skills have been demonstrated.
• Initiative-based leader Driven and continuous improvement mindset with a very strong desire to be first to market.
• Visionary - must be able to see the addressable market, develop the market roadmap in Kratos best interest, and lead detailed planning activities to chase the market. Must be able to communicate this vision to the team, to leadership, and to key stakeholders. Must be able to break it down into actionable tasks that the supporting cast can execute to ultimately realize the vision.
• Financially inclined - must be able to read Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, understand what they mean and what the operational implications are to each.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience related to international products and programs, to include ITAR considerations for products and services.
• Experience related to metal and composite materials manufacturing.
• Experience related to additive manufacturing.
• Experience related to integrated system development or production.
• Direct experience related to workplace safety and OSHA.