Mechanical Design Engineer III-IV - Kratos Defense

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:

Come be part of a team working on the latest advancements in unmanned aircraft. Get to work on groundbreaking designs that will be the future of tactical aviation. Help design and implement unique and innovative airframe, structural and system integration solutions to our target and tactical aircraft systems. Utilize your experience in designing cost and weight efficient structural solutions using a mixture of material systems including composite technologies for our next generation of unmanned systems. Work in a fast-paced environment that rapidly develops and deploys state of the art unmanned aircraft to a diverse array of customers and applications. Be a part of the future of unmanned aviation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Mechanical/Structures Engineers. Each level of Mechanical/Structures Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Strong background in composite airframe design and composite material systems.
• 3+ Years of Leading Design teams minimum. Able to manage technical decisions and team tasking to accomplish designs of complex systems on time and budget.
• Responsible for designing components manufactured from composite and metallic materials. Develops mechanical fluid systems to route liquids and gasses. Integrates hardware into complex, tightly packaged mechanical assemblies.
• Prepares formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e. drawings, specifications, parts lists and interface control documents). Proficient in Computer Aid Drafting (CAD) to design, develop and document models and drawings to manufacture aerospace hardware. Dassault Products Preferred (Catia, 3DX)
• Applies Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), perform tolerance studies and determines drawing requirements that provide affordable and practical designs.
• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Ensures that assigned scope meets project objectives per schedule and cost targets.
• Knowledgeable in systems engineering principles and able to prepares designs in accordance with customer requirements and derived engineering requirements.
• Supports system testing, trouble shooting, and problem resolution.
• Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledgeable in PLM Systems and Configuration Control.
• Basic knowledge in structural mechanics and analysis
• Prepares test plans, test procedures and reports.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods for composite materials and machined metallic hardware is highly desired.
• Complies with established Quality Management System procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer III

• Acts as the Lead Mechanical/Structures Engineer per procedure for very complex projects as assigned by Manager that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• Acts as Test Director for Mechanical/Structures sub-assemblies and assemblies when necessary.
• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to customers.
• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Mentors Level I-II Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.
• Monitors and reports on customer satisfaction in relation to projects.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer IV

• Acts as the Lead Mechanical/Structures Engineer per procedure for very complex projects as assigned by Manager that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• Acts as Test Director when necessary.
• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Plans projects and executes to the plan with attention to detail.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Manages the engineering teams effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Mentors Level I-III Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & 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 travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.

Preferred:

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Mechanical/Structures Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Mechanical/Structures Engineer.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Structures Engineering preferred).
• 6 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Structures Engineering preferred).
• 11 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.

Preferred:

Each successive level of Mechanical/Structures Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Mechanical/Structures Engineer.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer III

• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Mechanical/Structures Engineer IV

• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/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).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• May work extended hours or weekends and travel occasionally.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-20% May travel to support new business development and customer maintenance and to or from other KUAS locations.