Aero/Flight Science Engineer IV

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Roseville (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking an Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer IV to lead multidisciplinary efforts in aerodynamic design, analysis, simulation, and testing for unmanned aerial systems and target drones.

You will develop control laws, flight dynamics, and verification plans for next-generation systems. Requirements include a BS in Engineering (MS preferred), 11+ years in engineering with at least 6 years in a lead role, and readiness to travel up to 25% for flight tests

Qualifications

• Requires BS degree in Engineering; MS preferred for advanced roles.
• 11+ years related experience in aerospace/engineering.
• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual and Preliminary aircraft design.
• Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and analysis.
• CFD analysis and aerodynamic databases development.
• Develop, maintain aerodynamic databases and aircraft performance models.
• Prepare design review materials and technical reports.
• Travel 10–25% to support flight test activities and customer engagement.

Skills

Self-motivation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Customer focus

Education

BS in Engineering

MS in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Java

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 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.

iAero/Flight Sciences Engineer IV

• Provide oversight to the Aero/Flight Sciences group to help prioritize and delegate group work given the companyis programmatic requirements.
• Manages the engineering teamis 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.

COMPENSATION: $150,000 - $200,000

#LI-Onsite

Keyword: Aero/Flight Science Engineer IV

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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Aero/Flight Sciences Engineer IV

• 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.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED 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 AREiINCIDENTAL 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.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

From: Kratos Defense