Mechanical Thermal Analysis Engineer II - IV (Active Clearance Required)

Kratos Defense; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life/ADD & Disability Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Thermal Analysis Engineer II–IV in Sacramento, CA. The role focuses on thermal analysis, heat transfer, and cooling system design for unmanned platforms.

Active clearance is required, with opportunities to lead complex analyses and mentor junior engineers. Responsibilities include planning analyses, running thermal models, presenting results to government customers, and supporting flight testing and data reduction in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• BS degree in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering.
• 3+ years’ experience in related engineering discipline (2 years with Masters).
• Thermal engineering experience with heat transfer principles.
• Experience with thermal modeling codes listed in qualifications_tools.
• Ability to interpret data and contribute to anomaly investigations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute thermal analysis tasks for unmanned systems.
• Develop thermal network models and sizing tools; present results.
• Support system testing, data reduction, and reporting.
• Mentor engineers on thermal/fluids design best practices.

Skills

Heat transfer principles

Thermal modeling

Data analysis

Anomaly and failure investigations

Education

BS degree in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering

Tools

EATAN-TMS

MSC SINDA

SINDA/G

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

TAK 2000

Job description

Mechanical Thermal Analysis Engineer II - IV (Active Clearance Required)

• Job Tracking ID : 85347-370917
• Job Location : Sacramento, CA US.
• Job Level : Mid Career (2+ years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 10/30/2026
• Years of Experience : 1+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation : $95,000 - $170,000
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $95,000 USD - $170,000 USD
• Years Of Experience : 1+

Job Description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned 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.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, 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 unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Mechanical Thermal Analysis Engineer is responsible for the development of new tactical unmanned aircraft. Assignments will require experience with thermal analysis procedures including hand calculations and thermal finite difference (thermal resistance capacitance network) modeling. The Thermal Analyst will take the lead to plan and execute analysis tasks, and propose design solutions, and present results to management and to military and government customers. The analyst will also perform fluids analysis for air vehicle systems and develop and size fuel systems and active and passive cooling systems as part of a fast-paced development team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below are general requirements that apply to all levels of Mechanical Thermal Analysis Engineer. Each successive level of Thermal Analysis Engineer builds on job functions listed for the previous level.

• Manages effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Understands customer requirements and prepares designs in accordance with customer and derived requirements.
• Identify and understand heat transfer mechanisms of a system: radiation, forced convection, natural convection, conduction. Calculate natural convection and forced convection heat transfer coefficients.
• Use idealized representations such as radial symmetry to develop thermal network model as a simplified quick turnaround initial sizing tool and solve with SINDA.
• Prepares and publishes for presentation material and formal reports to document analysis results.
• Supports formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e. drawings, specifications, parts lists, interface control documents, test procedures, etc.).
• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Ensures customer satisfaction in relation to projects.
• Acts as the Lead Thermal Engineer for very complex projects as assigned by Manager that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• May provide direction and oversight to Thermal Engineering staff.
• Communicates with other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Thermal requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Supports system testing, trouble shooting, and problem resolution. Acts as test director when necessary.
• Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Mentors less experienced Thermal Engineers, and also mechanical and design engineers regarding thermal/fluids design best practices and basic analysis.
• Follows safety precautions.
• Complies with established Quality Management System (QMS) procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned. For example, general mechanical engineering or basic structural analysis hand calculation tasks or Finite Element Analysis may occasionally be assigned based on business needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

COMPENSATION:

$95,000 - $170,000

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• Ability to mentor less experienced analysts.
• Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• Must have the technical aptitude necessary to peer review and approve analyses of less experienced engineers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Thermal Analysis Engineer II

• Requires BS degree in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in related engineering discipline, (2 Years with Masters Degree).
• Thermal engineering experience is required, including familiarity with thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Working level knowledge of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation) and thermal properties of materials necessary to model and assess temperature distribution, heat flow, and thermal stability.
• Experience running thermal modeling codes such as EATAN-TMS, MSC SINDA, SINDA/G, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or TAK 2000. The candidate should have the willingness and aptitude to learn MSC SINDA, SINDA/FLUINT, and Thermal Desktop. Work is performed with moderate support and oversight from senior staff.
• Experience with data analysis including the ability to interpret experimental or simulation data to identify hotspots, overheating risks, or inefficient cooling paths.
• Experience contributing to anomaly and failure investigations.

Thermal Analysis Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in related engineering discipline, (5 Years with Masters Degree).
• Thermal engineering experience is required, including familiarity with thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Experience running thermal modeling codes such as EATAN-TMS, MSC SINDA, SINDA/G, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or TAK 2000. The candidate should have the willingness and aptitude to learn MSC SINDA, SINDA/FLUINT, and Thermal Desktop. Work is performed with minimal support and oversight from senior staff.
• Experience contributing to anomaly and failure investigations.

Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering.
• Minimum of 11 years experience in related engineering discipline, (10 Years with Masters Degree).
• Demonstrated experience in Thermal engineering applications including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Works with minimal supervision to plan and execute complex analysis tasks.
• Ability to run modeling codes such as EATAN-TMS, MSC SINDA, SINDA/G, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or TAK 2000. The candidate should have the willingness and aptitude to learn MSC SINDA, SINDA/FLUINT, and Thermal Desktop. Work is performed independently.
• Experience leading anomaly and failure investigations.
• Works with management to develop thermal analysis standards, preliminary analysis tools and workforce training.
• Experience working with industry partners and military agencies on complex development, fast paced development programs.

Preferred:

Thermal Analysis Engineer II

• 1+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• AMESIM for fluids/fuel system analysis.

Thermal Analysis Engineer III

• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• AMESIM for fluids/fuel system analysis.

Thermal Analysis Engineer IV

• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• AMESIM for fluids/fuel system analysis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-10% May be required may be required occasionally.

#LI-Onsite

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSASSIGNED 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 AREINCIDENTAL 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 INDIVS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• 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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