Mechanical Engineer - SPY-1

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Engineer to support the Navy’s AN/SPY-1 Organic Sustainment Initiative at our Crane, Indiana facility.

The role centers on conceptual and detailed design, structural and thermal analysis, and integration support for radar subsystem prototyping, collaborating with subsystem SMEs, test engineers, and program managers to meet Navy requirements and enable long-term sustainment through 2065.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; master's preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design and analysis experience in defense/aerospace/radar systems.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Creo, ANSYS).
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, ASME standards, DoD environmental/structural requirements.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs for SPY-1 radar components.
• Perform structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental analyses per DoD standards.
• Support reverse-engineering for sustainment of legacy components.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and test equipment for prototyping.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, and test engineers to integrate requirements.
• Prepare engineering drawings, reports, specifications, and config-controlled artifacts.
• Support program reviews and Navy design evaluations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal analysis

Structural analysis

Reverse engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

DoD engineering processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

ANSYS

Job description

Kratos is seeking aMechanical Engineerto support the Navy’s AN/SPY-1 Organic Sustainment Capability Prototype OTA. This role will focus on conceptual and detailed design, structural and thermal analysis, and integration support for radar subsystem prototyping. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams of subsystem SMEs, test engineers, and program managers to ensure mechanical solutions meet Navy requirements and enable long-term sustainment of the AN/SPY-1 radar fleet through 2065.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs for SPY-1 radar subsystem components (antenna, transmitter, signal processor).
• Conduct structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental analyses to ensure compliance with Navy/DoD standards.
• Support reverse-engineering of legacy or obsolete components to enable organic sustainment.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and support equipment for prototyping, handling, and testing of radar assemblies.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, and test engineering teams to integrate mechanical requirements into prototypes.
• Provide technical input during Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings and manage assigned action items.
• Prepare engineering documentation, including drawings, analysis reports, specifications, and configuration-controlled artifacts.
• Support program reviews, milestone events, and Navy design evaluations.
• Experience in HVAC System Design or related field
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics
• Knowledge of material science and reliability engineering fundamentals

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Prior experience with AN/SPY-1 radar, AEGIS Combat System, or other large phased-array radar programs.
• Background in obsolescence mitigation, depot-level repair, or reverse-engineering efforts.
• Familiarity with NSWC Crane test environments or Navy sustainment facilities.
• Experience in DoD acquisition programs, including DoDI 5000.88 engineering processes.

Additional Information

Travel: Up to 10% (support to NSWC Crane, industry teammates, and review events).

Period of Performance: Immediate start aligned to Phase 1 of the OTA, with continuation opportunities in Phase 2 prototyping.

Reporting: Reports to the Indiana Site Director with matrixed support to the SPY-1 Program IPT.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of mechanical design and analysis experience in defense, aerospace, or radar systems.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Creo, ANSYS, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated knowledge of MIL-STD-810, ASME standards, and DoD environmental/structural qualification requirements.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and sustainment of complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).
• 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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