Chief Engineer - Aircraft Development (Security Clearance Required)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid time-off (PTO)

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Chief Engineer for Aircraft Development in Sacramento, CA. The role leads technical vision and engineering strategy for a next-generation unmanned aircraft program. Excellent engineering experience and strong technical knowledge of aircraft systems are required.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree and at least 20 years of relevant experience in aerospace or aviation, along with a secret level U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of relevant technical experience with engineering and project leadership.
• Experience in aircraft development programs.
• Secret level U.S. security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering strategy for unmanned aircraft systems.
• Define and maintain the technical baseline and architecture.
• Manage technical risks and resolve engineering issues.

Skills

Engineering and project management experience

Technical knowledge of aircraft systems

Knowledge of military operations

Communication and relationship skills

Proficiency with MS Office products

Compliance with ISO/AS9100 elements

Technical writing skills

Customer satisfaction focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline

Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering

Tools

CAMEO for model-based systems engineering

AFSIM for operational analysis

CATIA for reviewing CAD models

Job description

Company Overview

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, serving the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies.

Job Summary

The Chief Engineer for Aircraft Development leads the technical vision, engineering strategy, and overall system integration for a next‑generation unmanned aircraft program, overseeing the complete engineering lifecycle from concept through entry into service.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the aircraft’s technical baseline, architecture, and requirements.
• Lead cross‑functional engineering teams (structures, propulsion, avionics, systems, flight sciences, manufacturing engineering, etc.).
• Serve as the primary technical authority and decision maker for the aircraft.
• Manage technical risks and resolve complex engineering issues.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, DoD, and industry standards, working closely with certification authorities.
• Partner with program management on schedule, cost, and technical trade decisions.
• Represent engineering to executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• Drive a culture of safety, innovation, engineering discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Support business development as the lead technical contact for proposal efforts.
• Create and maintain the technical roadmap for the product line.
• Assist program management and project engineers with planning, cost estimates, risk management, logistics, and presentation preparation.
• Direct engineering teams to develop solutions to customer requirements and resolve conflicts.
• Act as the overriding design authority for the product line and derivatives.
• Facilitate integration of multi‑program requirements without design or manufacturing conflicts.
• Set priorities and coordinate responsibilities with project engineers.
• Provide support for project planning, estimating, and execution of project tasks.
• Implement improved procedures and standards to ensure high‑quality, on‑time, within‑budget output.
• Collaborate on technical and technology issues with senior leadership.
• Define and manage risks of technical approaches across the product line.
• Enforce company engineering design processes.
• Lead failure analysis and root‑cause investigation.
• Promote ethical conduct and personal integrity throughout engineering.
• Assist project engineers with customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
• Report progress on technical roadmap and customer requirements.
• Act as Design Authority for approval of engineering technical data package elements.
• Work with supply chain and strategic suppliers to meet engineering specifications.
• Provide mentorship.
• Lead complex, multi‑system, multi‑discipline engineering projects as assigned.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• No direct reports; leads and mentors an engineering team in a matrixed environment.

Compensation

$185,000 – $225,000

Experience and Skills - Required

• Excellent engineering and project management experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of aircraft systems and related support systems.
• Knowledge of military operations.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills with senior leadership, program management, customers, and engineering team members.
• Proficiency with MS Office products.
• Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO/AS9100, EVMS, and export regulations.
• Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• 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 communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Experience and Skills - Preferred

• Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Experience reviewing and approving model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) documents in CAMEO.
• Experience with operational analysis using AFSIM.
• Experience reviewing CAD models and drawings in CATIA.
• Knowledge of company operations and procedures.

Education and Experience - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline.
• Minimum 20 years relevant technical experience with engineering, systems, integration, test, software, and/or engineering project leadership, preferably within aerospace or aviation industries.
• Prior experience working on aircraft development programs.
• Secret level U.S. security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and no foreign contacts).

Education and Experience - Preferred

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
• Pilot’s license.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• May work extended hours or weekends to complete tasks and meet schedule.
• May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate conditions and noise, dust, and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones).
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

This position is located in Sacramento, CA, is not eligible for remote work, and may require up to 25% travel.

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 & Accessibility Statement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Veterans, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity. All qualified job seekers encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Pay Transparency: The company will not discriminate based on pay inquiries. Job Applicant Privacy Notice: For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.