CO-OP: Thermal Structural Systems

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in Birmingham, AL, offers a CO-OP in our SRE research division with a 3-semester commitment. The role involves test preparation, data analysis, and hardware design for aerospace propulsion and hypersonic projects, with potential off-site travel to facilities and vendors.

Responsibilities include test hardware design, data collection, and lab method development, working closely with engineers and shop staff in a secured facility.

Qualifications

• U. S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Completed freshman year in aerospace, mechanical, or materials engineering.
• Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving capabilities
• 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.
• Self‑motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.

Responsibilities

• Design of test hardware using solid modeling software.
• Test preparation including drawings, text requests, and documentation.
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Laboratory test method development.
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned.

Job description

Job Description

This CO-OP opportunity is at our research division (Kratos SRE) located in Birmingham, AL. The CO-OP requires a 3-semester commitment – rotating working a semester then returning to school for a semester.

CO-OPs support a department of engineers in test preparation and execution, data analysis, and data presentation. Assessment of composites, ceramics, and metals primarily for aerospace propulsion systems and hypersonic flight applications. Students will also work hands‑on in hardware design and test development. Travel to off‑site test facilities and vendor locations may be required.

The student will work in close cooperation with a variety of engineers, as well as laboratory and machine shop personnel, in order to accomplish tasks vital to the success of projects. Depending on the team assigned responsibilities may include:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Design of test hardware using solid modeling software.
• Test preparation including drawings, text requests, and documentation.
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Laboratory test method development.
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned.

Experience And Skills

Required Experience:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• U. S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Completed freshman year in aerospace, mechanical, or materials engineering.
• Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving capabilities
• 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.
• Self‑motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed sophomore year in aerospace, mechanical, or materials engineering.
• Candidates who display strong work ethic, scholarship, quality workmanship, problem solving, and time management are highly valued.

This workplace is a secured facility and U.S. Citizenship, a background check, and drug test are required.

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Environment & Conditions

This position is in an office and laboratory environment and sometimes requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and protective shoes.

Comprehensive Pay

• Rotation One: $22.00
• Rotation Two: $23.00
• Rotation Three: $24.00
• Holiday Pay – CO-OP student employees will be paid eight (8) hours of holiday pay for any holiday which falls in a week worked during their rotation.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – CO-OP student employees receive a twenty (20) hour PTO bank immediately upon each rotation. Time to be used for (illness, vacation, bereavement). At the end of each rotation, unused PTO will be forfeited.
• Transitional Allowance – CO-OP student employees may be eligible to receive a taxable transitional allowance ($4,250) at the beginning of each new rotation payable on the first normally scheduled pay date.

(No Phone Calls Please)

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 Affirmative 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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