Mechanical Engineer - SPY-1

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc. seeks aMechanical Engineer to design and analyze SPY-1 radar subsystem components, focusing on conceptual and detailed mechanical layouts for prototype sustainment.

The role collaborates with systems, electrical, and test engineers to ensure integration of mechanical requirements while supporting Navy readiness through 2065. A minimum of 5 years in defense or radar design is expected, with DoD clearance or feasibility to obtain.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 Navy/DoD standards compliance.
• Support reverse-engineering of legacy 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 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.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional teamwork

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Creo, ANSYS)

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Kratos is seeking aiMechanical Engineerito support the Navyis 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

Keyword: Mechanic, Engineer, Mechanical

Required Experience:

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:iUp to 10% (support to NSWC Crane, industry teammates, and review events).
• Period of Performance:iImmediate start aligned to Phase 1 of the OTA, with continuation opportunities in Phase 2 prototyping.
• Reporting:iReports to the Indiana Site Director with matrixed support to the SPY-1 Program IPT.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bacheloris degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; Masteris 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).

From: Kratos Defense