Principal / Sr. Principal Weapons Integration 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:

As a Principal or Sr Principal Weapon Systems Integration Engineer you will be responsible for defining the requirements to integrated weapons into the air system, identify the design changes needed to integrate the weapon system and define and execute the approach to weapon systems certification within the air system. Perform a diverse array of engineering tasks related to the design and integration of weapon systems into our unmanned tactical aircraft.

The tasks involve deriving weapon system requirements, supporting testing for specific certifications, and conducting flight test planning and analysis for Military Type Certification. It includes assisting in aircraft design throughout development, supporting hardware/software design and testing, and conducting analyses for requirements verification. Additionally, preparing formal engineering documents, presenting design reviews, and supporting customer training and travel for flight test activities are also part of the responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Weapons Systems Integration Engineers. Each successive level of Weapons System Integration Engineer builds on job functions listed for the previous level(s) of Weapons System Integration Engineer.

• Weapon Systems Integration experience on Manned and / or Unmanned air vehicles.
• Derive weapon systems related requirements and specifications.
• Support weapon systems testing and verification to support MIL-HDBK-516 and MIL-HDBK-1763 Seak Eagle certification.
• Flight test planning, execution, and analysis to support Military Type Certification requirements.
• Support aircraft design at all phases of development.
• Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities.
• 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 presents 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 flight test activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Weapon Systems Integration Engineer V (Principal Weapon Systems Integration Engineer)

• Work is performed with Autonomy with little to no oversight.
• Takes leadership role on weapons systems integration engineering for projects.
• Defines scope of weapons systems integration work to support a program or project.
• Considered as Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Weapon Systems Integration engineering.
• May participate as independent Weapon Systems Integration SME for design reviews.
• Represents KUAS as weapon systems integration SME in inter-company meetings, intra-company meetings and customer engagements.

• 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, other engineering disciplines in support of weapons systems integration.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Weapon Systems Integration Engineer VI (Sr Principal Weapon Systems Integration Engineer)

• Provide oversight and guidance to the project group to help prioritize and delegate group work to support the weapons system integration activities of the project or program.
• Manages the engineering team's effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the weapons system integration task.
• Acts as key liaison for programs (both internal and external) on all matters having to do with weapon systems integration, certification and verification.
• Stays current on the \"state-of-the-practice\" through training and industry involvement/exposure, and mentors other team members with this knowledge.
• Define weapon systems tool and technology roadmaps and monitor and manage their implementation.
• May represent KUAS on industry advisory boards, steering committees and relevant professional societies.
• Sets the vision on how KUAS approaches unmanned aircraft design within their area of expertise and provides input and guidance on the vision for all elements of unmanned aircraft design within KUAS.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Compensation: $195,000 - $240,000

#Remote

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Understanding of weapon systems integration into manned and / or unmanned aircraft.
• Understanding of integration with sensors, systems and data links such as EO/IR, SATCOM, UHF/VHF, FMS, EFIS, SMS, Pylons etc
• Knowledge of military weapon systems certification and verification process.
• 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.
• 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.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• Project management and EVMS experience
• Cyber security requirements
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Software programming language familiarity
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Weapon Systems Integration Engineer builds on the identified education and experience qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Weapon Systems Integration Engineer. May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Weapon Systems Integration Engineer V

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 15 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer VI

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (MS Electrical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 20+ years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• 2+ years within Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems

Preferred:

N/A

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.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

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