Associate Systems Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in Birmingham, Alabama is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer to support the development and integration of complex systems, including RF, mechanical, and electrical components. The role involves working closely with experienced engineers and participating in system architecture definition and validation processes.

Ideal candidates are recent graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related fields. Responsibilities include assisting with requirements analysis, developing test plans, and participating in technical risk management.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen and able to maintain security clearance at DOD SECRET level.
• 0-2 years of experience in engineering.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist Systems Engineer with requirements definitions and analysis.
• Support development of system architectures and interface definitions.
• Prepare and execute test plans ensuring component performance.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Quality Orientation

Planning and Organization

Technical Expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or closely related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD

Job description

Job Description

The Associate Systems Engineer supports the definition, development, integration, and sustainment of RF, mechanical, electrical, and networked/compute integrated systems. Working under the guidance of mid-level and senior engineering staff, this role contributes to project requirements, traceability, system architecture, interface definition, integration planning, verification and validation, and technical risk management. The role also assists in the development and maintenance of system specifications, supports vendor test plans and part verification, and helps ensure that the technical baselines remain consistent and aligned with customer needs. This position supports system‑level presentations to customers and participates in addressing part obsolescence and manufacturability considerations.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the overarching Systems Engineer on projects with requirements definitions, analysis, and traceability across system, subsystem, and component levels.
• Support the development of system architectures and interface definitions.
• Assist in conducting trade studies for system and subsystem alternatives (collecting data, performing analyses, and documenting recommendations).
• Assist in the development and coordination of integration plans that define how RF, mechanical, software, and network subsystems are brought together into a cohesive system.
• Develop verification methods (inspection, test, demonstration) and map them to requirements.
• Assist in preparing and executing test plans for vendor‑supplied components, ensuring delivered parts meet specified performance and quality requirements.
• Participate in discipline‑specific working groups (RF, networking, software, mechanical, electrical) to capture system level impacts, dependencies, and risks.
• Assist in identifying and tracking technical risks and issues across the system, contributing to mitigation planning and status reporting.
• Assist in developing and maintaining System Description Documents (SDDs) and statements of work (SOWs) that describe system behaviors, interfaces, and performance characteristics.
• Apply mathematical and analytical skills to support system‑level computations, sizing, margin analysis, and validation of engineering calculations.
• Review engineering drawings and models, assisting in verifying correctness of dimensions, scales, units, tolerances, and configuration markings.
• Use tools such as Visio and applicable CAD/SolidWorks viewers or models, under guidance, to understand system layouts and physical integration.
• Perform other systems engineering tasks consistent with the scope and level of this position, as assigned by the overarching Systems Engineer or management.
• Travel to customer sites, field locations, and deployment sites as required, potentially including OCONUS locations (estimated 25-50%).

Other Job Functions

• Self‑motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.
• Strong analytical skills and creative problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Experience and Skills

• Attention to Detail – Ensures details of assigned tasks are followed.
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved, accurately checking processes, procedures, and tasks, and being watchful over time.
• Planning and Organization – Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action to ensure accomplishment of specific objectives.
• Technical Expertise – Applies functional knowledge, skills, experience, and judgement to accomplish a result, serve customers better and contribute to the organization’s intellectual capital.

Education and Experience

• US Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET.
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field with 0-2 years experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to RF, mechanical, software, and/or networked systems and how they integrate into larger system architectures.
• Experience with CAD/3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) and the ability to view and interpret mechanical models.
• Exposure to verification and validation activities, such as test planning, test procedure execution, and data analysis.
• Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with technical risk management concepts, including identification, tracking, and mitigation planning.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and could require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection (varies based on tasks), and shoe covers.

Physical Demands: The engineer must be able to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods, sit for extended periods without leaving the work area, and climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.

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

EEO Is The Law

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity/affirmative action employer. EOE, minorities, females, veterans, 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.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858‑964‑2916. Any inquiries 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.

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