Aero/Flight Science Engineer IV

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking an Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer IV to lead engineering efforts in aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, and flight test planning for unmanned aircraft systems.

The role focuses on overseeing tasks, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering validated designs for next-generation UAVs. The ideal candidate has 11+ years of aerospace experience, at least 6 years in lead roles, and expertise in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and Java.

Qualifications

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (MS Aeronautical/Aerospace preferred).
• 11+ years related engineering experience.
• 6+ years lead engineer experience in aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Oversight to the Aero/Flight Sciences group to prioritize and delegate work.
• Manages the engineering team’s effort within budget and schedule.
• Acts as key liaison for programs on aerodynamic design, propulsion, modeling and simulation, and verification.
• Stays current on the state-of-the-practice through training and industry involvement; mentors the Aero/Flight Sciences group.

Skills

Aero design

CFD

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++/Java

Leadership

Flight testing

Education

BS Engineering

MS Aeronautical/Aerospace

Tools

Software configuration management

Job description

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

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

• Conceptual and Preliminary aircraft design.
• Outer Mold Line (OML) definition including surface shaping, sizing & placement.
• Air vehicle performance requirements and analysis.
• Weight and balance estimation, tracking, & management.
• Engine inlet & 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 IV

• Provide oversight to the Aero/Flight Sciences group to help prioritize and delegate group work given the company’s programmatic requirements.
• Manages the engineering team’s effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Acts as key liaison for programs (both internal and external) on all matters having to do with aerodynamic design and performance, propulsion, modeling and simulation, and verification.
• Stays current on the "state-of-the-practice" through training and industry involvement/exposure, and mentors the Aero/Flight Sciences group with this knowledge.
• Mentors Level I-III Aero/Flight Science Engineers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Experience And Skills

Knowledge, skills & abilities

• 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 unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.Familiarity with software configuration management systems is preferred.

Education and Experience

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (MS Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 11 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affinitive Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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