Principal / Sr. Principal Design Engineer

Job Description

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:

Designs and drafts components, assemblies and tooling, commensurate with level of experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Principal Design Engineer (Level V and VI)

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Design Engineers. Each level has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• 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.

Principal Design Engineer (Level V)

• Work is performed with general autonomy and little to no oversight.
• Considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Mechanical/Structures Design.
• Has frequent liaison, inter-organizational, and customer contact interactions.
• 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.
• In addition to solving issues of advanced complexity, may be asked to provide innovative solutions to novel problems or create new organizational standards to meet technological challenges.

• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Airframe/Subsystem/Tooling requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.

• Manages the engineering team's effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).

• Discipline/Processes/Procedures Expert and able to create and innovate new processes and procedures as required.
• Leads and directs the work along with providing guidance and mentoring.
• Acts as prime technical contact on projects/program for design.
• Serves as advisor role to management on incorporation of advanced technologies.

Sr. Principal Design Engineer (Level VI)

• Work is performed with general autonomy and little to no oversight.
• Considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Structures Design, Tooling Design, and CAD Standards and Systems.
• Considered a champion of emerging technologies in their field.
• May be called upon for strategic guidance on setting technical vision and pushing the boundaries for innovation and technology for the organization.
• Responsible for conference participation and keeping current with modern technologies and industry trends in their field.
• Has frequent liaison, inter-organizational, and customer contact interactions to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• 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.
• In addition to solving issues of advanced complexity, may be asked to provide innovative solutions to novel and cutting-edge problems or create new organizational standards to meet technological challenges.

• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Airframe/Subsystem/Tooling requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.

• Manages the engineering team's effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).

• Discipline/Processes/Procedures Expert and able to create and innovate new processes and procedures as required.
• Leads and directs the work along with providing guidance and mentoring.
• Acts as prime technical contact on projects/program for design.
• Serves as advisor role to management on incorporation of advanced technologies.

Other Job Functions

Within Company

• Inside immediate department; works closely with Engineers and will receive instructions from appropriate engineering staff.
• Outside immediate department; occasional contact with production personnel as needed.

Outside of Company

• Interface with customers and suppliers as needed in the course of project execution; occasional travel to support sales in new business development and customer maintenance as determined by the Engineer responsible for the project.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Compensation: $170,000 - $200,000

Experience and Skills

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.

Preferred:

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Designer builds on the identified typical qualifications listed for the previous level(s) Designer.

Principal Design Engineer

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 15 years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 3 years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Sr. Principal Design Engineer

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 20 years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 6 years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• 2 years within Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems

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).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

• May work extended hours or weekends.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-15% May be required between KUAS locations.

#LI-Onsite

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

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