Experienced Shipbuilding, Design, Program and Acquisition Manager
Phillip Killebrew, Jr. is a distinguished engineering manager with over a decade of experience in shipbuilding, design, and repair, specializing in ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance for U.S. military projects. Based in Alexandria, VA, he brings a robust background in engineering operations management, program/project management, and technical documentation. Phillip’s expertise spans policy compliance, contract negotiations, troubleshooting, and quality assurance, underpinned by a meticulous approach to cost controls, materials estimates, and financial management.
Currently serving as the SP22 Launcher Operations Field Operations Manager at Strategic Systems Programs, Phillip oversees all launcher field engineering support functions. His role encompasses wharf operations, refits, launch tests, support equipment maintenance, facility activation, budget planning, and execution. Phillip is renowned for his ability to develop detailed plans, tasks, milestones, and schedules, ensuring proper sequencing of events and meticulous tracking of processes and costs throughout project lifecycles. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and advisory skills, providing critical program planning, assessment, and coordination for various readiness and contingency response missions.
Phillip’s career is marked by significant achievements, including receiving the Individual Cash Award for his role as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the upcoming FY25-28 Deployed Support Service (DSS) contract with Northrop Grumman. His technical COR knowledge and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring contract execution remains on track, earning him accolades from senior military officials. His ability to brief Senior Executive Service and Flag Officer Leadership on budget, emergent actions, and program statuses further highlights his strategic impact.
Phillip has also served as a Contractor Officer Representative for PMS 392 (In-Service Attack Submarines) P Branch, where he played a pivotal role in the successful negotiation and oversight of the USS HARTFORD Engineering Overhaul (EOH) contract. His efforts in contract negotiations and execution saved the enterprise over $86 million, demonstrating his proficiency in managing high-stakes, high-value projects. His leadership and analytical skills were critical in developing an outstanding liabilities list, ensuring timely and transparent funding actions.
A certified NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVSEA) Data Manager, Phillip possesses a deep understanding of government procurement, regulations, policies, and procedures. His extensive knowledge in areas such as Agile project management, SUBSAFE, Integrated Baseline Review (IBR), Technical Program Management Disciplines (T9001C), and Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) solidifies his reputation as a subject matter expert. Phillip’s ability to coordinate and manage technical and programmatic requirements has been essential in driving operational support for submarine lifecycle management, including significant contributions to the US/UK Polaris Sales Agreement and the COLUMBIA Program.
Phillip’s educational credentials include a Master of Science in Engineering Operations Management and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his numerous certifications, including CACQ 008 Foundational Intellectual Property and CACQ 004 Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management. His top-secret security clearance further underscores his trusted position in handling sensitive and classified information.
Phillip Killebrew, Jr. is a highly organized, motivated, and results-driven professional, consistently meeting deadlines in demanding environments. His exceptional documentation, presentation, and negotiation skills, coupled with his ability to lead and mentor junior engineers, make him a valuable asset in any organization dedicated to advancing engineering excellence and operational efficiency.
Character: Phillip Killebrew, Jr. is known for his integrity, reliability, and ethical approach to leadership. Fostering and Driving integrity with accountability in acquisition, contracts, and execution.
Knowledge: He possesses extensive expertise in shipbuilding and design, with a strong grasp of technical and operational aspects.
Strategic: Phillip adeptly develops and executes strategic plans to navigate complex projects and contracts, driving operational efficiency and success.
Communication: He excels in clear, concise communication, effectively engaging with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment in project goals.
