Manager of 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 a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, uncrewed aerial systems and self-driving trucks. As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems to support National Security.

At MSI, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today!

The Mission As the Manager of Hardware Engineering, you will lead the cross-functional development of next-generation electronic systems for unmanned airborne platforms. You will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and technical execution, overseeing the lifecycle of autonomous vehicle electronic technologies from initial concept through to field deployment and DoD certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of Hardware, RF, Mechanical, and PWB engineers in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic Oversight: Manage the full engineering lifecycle (R&D, Design, V&V) for electronic systems, ensuring alignment with program milestones and budgetary constraints.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison between executive leadership, internal engineering teams, and DoD stakeholders.
• Innovation & Architecture: Drive the architecture and implementation of complex RF datalinks, electronic avionics, FPGAs, and embedded processor architectures.
• Growth & Capture: Lead technical bids and proposals (SOW/ROM/RFP) and foster a culture of continuous professional development for engineering staff.

Experience and Skills

Core Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years in complex hardware/systems development, with 5+ years in a formal technical leadership or management role.
• Domain Expertise: Proven track record in airborne avionics, I/O systems, RF design, and Embedded Systems within the UAV or autonomous vehicle space.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Understanding of DoD standards, including MIL-STD-461 (EMI) and MIL-STD-810 (Environmental) testing protocols.
• Education: BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical field.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex technical roadblocks into actionable business strategy for non-technical stakeholders.

The Tech Environment

• Systems: Unmanned airborne platforms – avionics, datalinks, C2, and ancillary ground support equipment.
• Electronics: Digital/Analog design, High-speed FPGA (Xilinx), and RF architectures.
• Methodologies: Waterfall Design Methodology, formal design reviews (PDR/CDR), and modern EDA/Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

• 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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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