Aero/flight Science Engineer III

Aero/Flight Science Engineer III

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 work on the latest advancements in unmanned aircraft. Get to work on groundbreaking designs that will be the future of tactical aviation. Perform a diverse array of engineering tasks related to the aerodynamic design, analysis, simulation, and test of unmanned aerial vehicles. Help develop the control laws and flight control systems for our next generations of unmanned tactical air systems and target drones. 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 Aero/Flight Sciences Engineers. An Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer is expected to demonstrate proficiency in these duties, but may have several core competencies:

• Conceptual and preliminary aircraft design.
• Outer mold line (OML) definition including surface shaping, sizing and placement.
• Air vehicle performance requirements and analysis.
• Weight and balance estimation, tracking, and management.
• Engine inlet and exhaust design.
• Engine performance requirements/analysis.
• Develop, maintain, and document aerodynamic databases.
• Aircraft performance modeling and simulation.
• Simulation of airframe, systems, and environment.
• Classical aerodynamics analysis.
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
• Aerodynamic loads determination.
• Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities.
• Flight test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e. drawings, specifications, test procedures, technical reports, etc.).
• Prepare and present design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Support customer training activities.
• Foreign and domestic travel to support test activities.

Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer I

Performs simple engineering tasks as assigned by their manager. Other duties may be assigned.

Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer II

Performs moderate engineering tasks as assigned by their manager. Acts as lead engineer as required for various contract deliverables. Presents design review and technical interchange material to major customers. Develop analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation. Provides onsite support during various test activities. Mentors Level I Aero/Flight Sciences Engineers. Supports business development efforts in preparation of proposals. Other duties may be assigned.

Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer III

Performs complex engineering tasks as assigned by their manager. Supports program planning of engineering activities through detailed scope definition. May act as system engineer to help communicate top level requirements to subsystems and determine proper verification and validation methods. Reports progress on engineering efforts to technical leadership. Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Aero/Flight Sciences Engineers. Establishes and maintains best practices for design, analysis, and testing responsibilities held by the Aero/Flight Sciences group. Mentors Level I-II Aero/Flight Sciences Engineers. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Compensation

$120,000 - $140,000

Required Experience: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

• Highly self-motivated.
• Versatile and adaptable to diverse engineering problems.
• Demonstrated strength in one or more of the listed essential job functions.
• Demonstrated focus on customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• 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:

• MATLAB and Simulink experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with C/C++ and Java software is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Understanding of autopilot flight control design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with software configuration management systems is preferred.

Education and Experience

Required: Each successive level of an Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer builds on the identified education and experience qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Aero/Flight Science Engineer. May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer III: Requires BS degree in Engineering (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred). 6+ years related experience in related engineering discipline. 3+ 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. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

10-25% May be required to support flight test activities, new business development, and customer maintenance occasionally.

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded. Pay Transparency The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.