Manager of Hardware Engineering

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., 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.

Keyword: Hardware Engineering Manager, Engineering Manager Hardware Systems, Avionics Hardware Engineering Manager, Embedded Systems Engineering Manager, Electronics Engineering Manager

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.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

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From: Kratos Defense