Engineering Manager: UAV Avionics & RF Systems

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; 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 & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks an experienced Manager of Hardware Engineering to lead cross-functional teams developing next-generation electronic systems for unmanned airborne platforms, guiding concepts to field deployment and DoD certification.

You will oversee hardware, RF, mechanical, and PCB engineers; manage lifecycle (R&D, design, V&V); collaborate with executives and DoD stakeholders; drive RF datalinks, embedded architectures, and FPGA implementations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in complex hardware/systems development with 5+ years in formal technical leadership or management.
• Airborne avionics, I/O systems, RF design, and Embedded Systems in UAV/autonomous vehicle space.
• Understanding of DoD standards, MIL-STD-461 (EMI) and MIL-STD-810 (Environmental) testing protocols.
• BS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Physics or related technical field.
• Ability to translate complex technical roadblocks into actionable business strategy for non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead a multi-disciplinary team of Hardware, RF, Mechanical, and PWB engineers in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic Oversight: Manage full engineering lifecycle (R&D, Design, V&V) for electronic systems, aligning with milestones and budget.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as primary technical liaison between executive leadership, internal teams, and DoD stakeholders.
• Innovation & Architecture: Drive architecture and implementation of RF datalinks, aviation electronics, FPGAs, and embedded processors.
• Growth & Capture: Lead technical bids and proposals (SOW/ROM/RFP) and foster professional development for engineering staff.

Skills

Hardware leadership

Airborne avionics

RF design

Embedded systems

DoD MIL-STD standards

Education

B.S. in Computer Engineering

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

B.S. in Physics

Tools

Xilinx FPGA

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks an experienced Manager of Hardware Engineering to lead cross-functional teams developing next-generation electronic systems for unmanned airborne platforms, guiding concepts to field deployment and DoD certification.

You will oversee hardware, RF, mechanical, and PCB engineers; manage lifecycle (R&D, design, V&V); collaborate with executives and DoD stakeholders; drive RF datalinks, embedded architectures, and FPGA implementations.