Director of Explosives Manufacturing (Contingency)

KBR, Inc.•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Director of Explosives Manufacturing to oversee the energetics plant scale up and lead the execution of large, complex defense programs supporting chemical plant and munitions manufacturing operations, specifically in production of HMX, RDX, and other new & novel energetics. This role is accountable for program performance across scope, production schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction. The Program Manager provides day‑to‑day leadership to integrated program teams, interfaces directly with customers and stakeholders, and ensures program objectives are met in alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to manage high‑visibility programs with significant operational and financial impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing energetic explosives manufacturing facilities/plants (Construction and and/or Production Operations)
Experience managing rolling 12-18 month production schedule available for Pricing new business, internal financial forecasts, headcount forecasts, etc.
RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on
Experience managing large, complex programs within the defense or government contracting environment
Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, and risk
Knowledge of defense industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR
Experience in Cost Account Management (CAM) or Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
Experience in Manufacturing with an understanding of Production processes, Quality Control, and Lean Manufacturing
Experience leading cross‑functional, matrixed teams
HMX and/or RDX Production Operations Experience
Authorization to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
PMP or equivalent project management certification
Experience scaling up New Molecule Energetics
Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience
Experience supporting capture, proposal development, or program growth initiatives
Strong executive‑level communication and presentation experience

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex programs from initiation through completion
Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and risk to ensure contractual and financial objectives are achieved
Serve as the primary point of contact for program‑related communications with customers and key stakeholders
Develop and maintain detailed program plans, milestones, and performance metrics
Coordinate with R&D team to ensure proper business case for new product development efforts.
Along with Operations, develop detailed metrics and shop floor goals that will meet IBP/QBR forecasts.
Lead and mentor cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain functions
Responsible for RBA process for existing products, firm, follow-on, etc.
Ensure proposed work fits in available production schedule.
Support development of BOE, along with Operations and Price Estimating.
Oversee program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements
Prepare and deliver program status reports and executive‑level briefings to internal and external stakeholders
Support proposal development, capture activities, and long‑range program growth strategies
Other duties as assigned