Head of UAV Avionics & Hardware Engineering

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Manager of Hardware Engineering to lead the cross-functional development of next-generation electronic systems for unmanned airborne platforms.

The role bridges strategy and technical execution, overseeing lifecycle from concept to field deployment and DoD certification. The team focuses on avionics, datalinks, FPGA architectures, and embedded processors, delivering cutting-edge defense technology with DoD and partner collaboration.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in hardware/systems development with 5+ years in leadership.
• Airborne avionics, I/O, RF design, and embedded systems in UAV/autonomous vehicle space.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-461 (EMI) and MIL-STD-810 testing.
• BS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong ability to translate technical roadblocks into business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary Hardware, RF, Mechanical, and PWB engineering team.
• Manage full engineering lifecycle (R&D, Design, V&V) for electronic systems.
• Serve as technical liaison between executive leadership, engineering teams, and DoD stakeholders.
• Drive architecture and implementation of RF datalinks, avionics, FPGAs, and embedded processors.
• Lead technical bids and proposals (SOW/ROM/RFP) and foster staff development.

Skills

Hardware leadership

RF design

Embedded systems

DoD standards

Communication

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

Xilinx FPGA

EDA tools

PLM

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Manager of Hardware Engineering to lead the cross-functional development of next-generation electronic systems for unmanned airborne platforms.

The role bridges strategy and technical execution, overseeing lifecycle from concept to field deployment and DoD certification. The team focuses on avionics, datalinks, FPGA architectures, and embedded processors, delivering cutting-edge defense technology with DoD and partner collaboration.