Program Manager at Kraken Kinetics

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges. Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most. POSITION SUMMARY Location: On-site at our Moore County, NC facility The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution of Kraken Kinetics programs from planning through operational deployment. This role coordinates activities across engineering, production, logistics, and field training teams to ensure systems are successfully integrated, delivered, and fielded in support of defense customers. The Program Manager serves as the central coordination point between Kraken Kinetics, government program offices, platform manufacturers, and operational units. The role requires managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders, evolving technical requirements, and accelerated deployment timelines. Kraken Kinetics programs often involve coordinating integration and fielding activities across multiple unmanned platforms, government stakeholders, and operational units. The Program Manager drives alignment across internal teams and external partners to ensure capabilities are delivered on schedule and aligned with mission requirements. The Program Manager owns day-to-day program execution and is responsible for ensuring technical, operational, and schedule alignment across all participating teams. The ideal candidate is a highly organized operator who thrives in fast-moving environments and enjoys coordinating technical teams to deliver real-world capabilities. Key Responsibilities Program Planning & Execution - Lead execution of Kraken Kinetics programs from initial planning through integration, delivery, and operational deployment. - Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables aligned with customer requirements and internal development timelines. - Coordinate cross-functional execution across engineering, production, logistics, and field integration teams. - Track program progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation actions to ensure successful program outcomes. - Drive alignment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and field teams to ensure programs remain on schedule and operationally ready for deployment. - Track program resource requirements and coordinate with leadership to ensure programs remain aligned with schedule, cost, and operational objectives. Stakeholder Coordination - Serve as the primary coordination point between Kraken Kinetics and external stakeholders including government program offices, platform manufacturers, and operational units. - Facilitate technical and operational alignment between internal teams and external integration partners. - Coordinate communications and program activities across internal teams and external partners to ensure shared understanding of requirements, schedules, and milestones. Integration & Fielding Support - Support planning and execution of system integration, testing, and operational deployment activities across multiple platforms and environments. - Coordinate internal teams responsible for system integration, validation, and field support during deployment events. - Manage configuration differences across platforms, integration partners, and operational environments. Training & Operational Coordination - Coordinate New Equipment Training (NET) and operational training activities for receiving units and integration partners. - Ensure training materials, technical documentation, and demonstration systems are prepared and available to support training events. Program Reporting - Maintain program schedules, milestones, and documentation including risk and issue tracking systems. - Identify program risks and issues, and drive mitigation actions across responsible teams. - Provide regular program updates to Kraken Kinetics leadership and external stakeholders. - Track program resource requirements and coordinate with leadership to ensure alignment with schedule, cost, and operational objectives. QUALIFICATIONS Required - 5–10 years of experience managing complex technical or defense-related programs. - Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and external partners. - Experience managing programs with multiple external stakeholders including government customers, technology partners, or operational users. - Experience developing and managing program schedules, milestones, and deliverables. - Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. - Experience identifying and mitigating program risks in dynamic operational environments. - Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across technical teams, leadership, and external stakeholders. - Ability to lead program execution in fast-paced environments with evolving technical and operational requirements. - Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel (data tracking and reporting), Microsoft Project (schedule management), Outlook (stakeholder coordination), and Planner or similar task management platforms Preferred - Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or unmanned systems programs. - Experience coordinating multi-platform system integrations. - Experience supporting fielding, operational deployment, or capability delivery to military units. - Familiarity with government program offices, acquisition processes, or defense contracting environments. - Experience coordinating New Equipment Training (NET) or operational training events. - Military service or prior experience working directly with operational military units Security Requirement - Security Statement: This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required. SALARY & BENEFITS Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $115,000-$150,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits included: - Generous PTO policy - Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents). - Vision & dental (100% company-paid) - Short- and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid) - Generous 401(k) retirement plan - Company-paid life insurance - Great teammates and well stocked snacks EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.