Job Information
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Strategic Growth Programs Director - DE, UAS, SUAS & MST in Huntsville, Alabama
Job Descriptions:
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.
Required Experience:
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.
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Keyword: CUAS, PEO, JCO,
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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From: Kratos Defense