Associate Systems Engineer

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer to support systems definition and development in Birmingham, Alabama. Under guidance, you'll assist with project requirements, integration planning, and technical risk management.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and offers the opportunity to define system architectures while working closely with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates must be US citizens and able to secure a DoD SECRET clearance.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in Systems Engineering or related field.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain DoD SECRET clearance.
• Exposure to RF, mechanical, and networked systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with requirements definitions and analysis.
• Support system architecture and interface definitions.
• Conduct trade studies for system alternatives.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Technical Expertise

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Verbal and Written Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Visio

Job description

General Job Summary: 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 also 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Attention to Detail – Ensures details of assigned tasks are followed.
• Quality Orientation – Accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved; not matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes, procedures, and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Planning and Organization – Systematically identified issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self to ensure the 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

Required Qualifications

• 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 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

Work takes place in an office and laboratory environment and may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
• Shoe covers

Physical Demands

• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Climb ladders and stairs as part of the work.

Keyword: Systems Engineering