Chief Technology Officer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned 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.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, 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 unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) reports directly to the President of Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, and serves as an advisor to the Vice President, Engineering. This position is principally responsible for leading the technology strategy and vision for Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems. The CTO is responsible for researching, developing, and implementing new technological solutions to solve complex problems within the unmanned aerospace industry. In addition, the CTO collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including business development, to ensure technology remains at the forefront of the industry.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement the company's technology strategy and vision, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives.
• Lead the research and development of new technological solutions that improve the company's products and services.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and prioritize technology needs and opportunities.
• Oversee the development of new products and technologies, ensuring they meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technological trends and developments within the aerospace industry.
• Mentor technical professionals, ensuring their skill and knowledge are relevant and sufficient to lead in their respective roles.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and internal business development.
• Directs complex, multi-system, multi-discipline project teams with a focus on cost and schedule performance.
• Applies advanced skills to critical or high visibility tasks and applies insights to critical activities.
• Other responsibilities relevant to position as assigned.

Other Job Functions:

• Effective and regular communications with internal customers, senior management at Kratos, Program Managers, and other program personnel to promote a cohesive team.
• May have frequent contact with customers, business partners, and/or vendors as required.
• Supports Vice President, Engineering in project budget tracking and cost analysis (assigned proposals and contracts), budget monitoring and periodic forecasting of expenditures.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Periodic direct supervision responsibility of engineering staff for special / specific projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 25+ years of experience in a senior technology leadership role within the aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, staff, control and direct complex engineering (development) and production projects using tools and techniques (with advanced understanding) associated with earned value, risk, and schedule management.
• A thorough understanding of formal systems engineering, development technologies, and applicable military and commercial specifications and standards.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing technology strategies that align with business objectives.
• Strong knowledge in the latest technological trends and developments.
• Demonstrated negotiation and team building skills.
• Ability to effectively direct goal oriented activities of a diverse team in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• Strong combination of technical skills, program management skills, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Senior level technical and cost performance reporting skills.
• Ability to work with no oversight.

• Must possess and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. May work extended hours or weekends.

• Office, field, and manufacturing environment with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Up to 40% - May be required between other KUAS locations and customer sites.

COMPENSATION: $200,000 - $250,000

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