Lead Avionics & Hardware Engineering Manager

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will bridge strategy and execution, guiding the lifecycle from concept to field deployment and DoD certification. You will manage RF datalinks, avionics, FPGAs, and embedded processors while mentoring staff and coordinating with DoD stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in hardware/systems development with 5+ years in technical leadership or management.
• Domain expertise in airborne avionics, I/O systems, RF design and Embedded Systems for UAV/autonomous platforms.
• Understanding of DoD standards (MIL-STD-461 EMI, MIL-STD-810 Environmental) testing processes.
• BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics or related technical field.
• Excellent ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable business strategy for stakeholders.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Technical leadership

RF design

Avionics

Embedded systems

Communication

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Xilinx FPGA design tools

PLM tools

EDA tools

Job description

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

You will bridge strategy and execution, guiding the lifecycle from concept to field deployment and DoD certification. You will manage RF datalinks, avionics, FPGAs, and embedded processors while mentoring staff and coordinating with DoD stakeholders.