Engineering Manager

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Folsom (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking an Engineering Manager to work onsite in Folsom, CA. This role involves leading an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team, managing personnel development, and ensuring the timely completion of engineering projects.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in RF design, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and a 401(k) savings plan.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of work experience in the RF & Microwave industry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must have excellent written & verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team.
• Manage personnel development and new business bids.
• Prepare test methods and specifications.

Skills

RF & Microwave Design

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

BSEE required, MSEE preferred

Tools

MWO, ADS

CST

HFSS

Sonnet

SPICE

Job description

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos company, is looking for an Engineering Manager to work onsite at their Folsom, CA location.

Company Overview

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers.

General Job Summary

Manages a variety of engineering services functions that could include drafting, design support, document control or similar engineering support activities. Ensures the timely, thorough, and accurate completion of all engineering projects. Oversees the preparation of new or modified designs. Ensures documentation packages are complete. Maintains part and project number assignments, drawing reproduction, and customer documentation. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead an RF & Microwave Design Engineering team in the design and development of frequency converters, synthesized frequency sources, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), Direct‑RF converters, and complex multi‑function assemblies (MFAs) for aerospace and defense applications. Products will include frequency converters, synthesizers, Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), switched filter banks, tunable filters, and integrated transmit/receive (T/R) assemblies.
• Manage personnel development, new business bids & proposals, and the successful design, development, and production release / transition to production of new products.
• Manage employee development & operational improvements of the RF, Microwave, & Mixed Signal design group in support of company goals & objectives. Participate in recruiting & team development.
• Technical responsibilities include leading the design of RF architectures and systems using chain analysis and frequency planning tools such as VSS.
• Design of RF components using MWO, CST, HFSS, Sonnet, SPICE, etc.
• Evaluation and selection of devices that are suitable for the applications & operating environment, meeting customer requirements. This includes the design and selection of LNAs, PAs, filters, mixers, frequency multipliers, isolators, couplers, phase locked oscillator, and synthesizers.
• Perform trade studies for noise figure, power compression, linearity, and isolation.
• Perform hardware layout, component evaluation, prototype construction, and test.
• Prepare test methods and specifications, analyze and test hardware to verify performance.
• Lead both internal and external PDR, CDR, and MRR design reviews, generating and delivering presentations to our internal leadership team and to customers.
• Provide guidance on technology trends and help drive innovation to maintain our leading edge technical capabilities relative to competitors.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Experience and Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive experience with devices, circuitry, and systems operating at RF, microwave, and millimeter‑wave frequencies.
• Ability to design circuitry for high frequency receivers, transmitters, and signal generation. Experience with design tools such as MWO, ADS, CST, HFSS, Sonnet, SPICE, & Altium.
• Knowledge of signal routing, mechanical layout, and packaging technologies for devices and subassemblies.
• Ability to conceptualize initial component and system designs with block diagrams and cascade analyses.
• Ability to lead project team execution of assembly, test, debug, and optimization.
• Ability to organize results for design reviews and customer presentations.
• Ability to communicate clearly with excellent verbal, written, & presentation skills.

Education and Experience

• BSEE required, MSEE preferred.
• 10+ years of work experience in the RF & Microwave industry at microwave and millimeter‑wave frequencies.
• Experience with Mixed Signal & Direct‑RF / Direct‑to‑Digital products a plus.
• Previous experience managing & developing technical employees.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with ability to find creative and innovative solutions.
• Strong lab skills using test equipment, and ability to tune and align circuitry.
• Must be proficient with RF design software such as Cadence/AWR’s Microwave Office and/or ADS.
• Familiarity with HFSS, CST, and/or Sonnet for EM simulations.
• Must have excellent written & verbal communications skills. Will participate in the preparation of technical proposals to support new business opportunities.
• Will frequently be asked to present to customers and executive management.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team, and to be flexible within a dynamic environment.
• Committed to personal excellence and high corporate ethical standards.
• Ability to consistently meet project goals and deadlines, to lead multiple project design teams, and to support bid & proposal tasks simultaneously.
• Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the secret level.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel 15–20% for customer meetings and cross‑site collaboration.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, use tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements

Yes, as required.

Base Salary Range

$150,000.00 – $175,000.00

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 Statement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity®Affirmative Action® Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vets, 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.