Structural Analysis Engineer I-II

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. in Arlington, TX seeks an entry-level Structural Analysis Engineer. You will perform structural sizing and layout for unmanned aircraft and support equipment, using FEM tools and analysis methods.

The role requires a BS in Engineering and 1+ years of experience in structural analysis, with potential for growth and security clearances. Onsite work with comprehensive engineering duties across design, testing, and documentation.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace) required or equivalent.
• 3+ years related engineering experience.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.
• 2+ years with Hypermesh, Femap, Patran and Nastran; ANSYS/Abaqus may substitute one year.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analyses for aircraft hardware and assemblies.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and interface control documents.
• Support flight testing, data reduction, and reporting.
• Mentor Level I Structural Analysis Engineers and support quotes.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEM analysis

Weight optimization

Thermal analysis

Education

BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace)

Tools

Hypermesh

Femap

Patran

Nastran

ANSYS

Job description

• Job Level : Entry Level (less than 2 years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 10/19/2026
• Years of Experience : 1+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation :
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $0
• 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:

Under direction of the lead structures engineer and/or the chief engineer, perform structural sizing and layout for a new or existing unmanned composite aircraft and related ground support equipment. Assignments will require experience with detailed analysis procedures, loads development, FEM analysis, PATRAN, initial layout and sizing, structural integrity evaluations, composite materials allowable development, aeroelastic and dynamic evaluations, and weight optimization. Basic thermal analysis using hand calculations, resistance capacitance network analysis and/or FEM may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Mechanical/Structures Engineers. Each level of Mechanical/Structures Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• 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.
• Performs a variety of structural analyses related to aircraft hardware design, mechanical assembly, and hardware integration to ensure designs meet performance requirements.
• Prepares 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.
• Supports system testing, trouble shooting, and problem resolution.
• Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepares test plans and reports.
• Follows safety precautions.
• Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Acts as the Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for simple projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead Performs the essential job functions listed above under guidance and specific direction of more senior structural analysts and manager.
• Acts as the Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for more complex projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead. Performs the essential job functions listed above independently for simpler tasks, relies on guidance of more senior structural analysts and manager for more complex projects.
• Acts as Test Director for Mechanical/Structures sub-assemblies and assemblies when necessary.
• Mentors Level I Structural Analysis Engineers.
• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.
• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to customers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

#LI-Onsite

Experience and Skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Structural Analysis Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Structural Analysis Engineer .

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• Relevant experience and/or coursework preferred.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 3 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience with Hypermesh/Femap/Patran and Nastran is required. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 1 of the 2 years.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office, manufacturing or field environments.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer usage).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• May travel to support new business development and customer maintenance.
• May work extended hours or weekends and travel occasionally.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-10% may be required occasionally.
• 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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