Structural Analysis Engineer I-IV - (Clearance Required)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.—a leader in unmanned systems and defense tech—seeks a Structural Analysis Engineer to size and lay out new or existing unmanned composite aircraft structures. Responsibilities include FEM analyses, loads development, aeroelastic checks, and weight optimization under lead/manager guidance.

Engineering tasks involve calculations, documentation, and collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure performance, safety, and compliance with QMS while

Qualifications

• Experience with detailed analysis procedures and loads development.
• FEM analysis experience and use of PATRAN.
• Ability to perform aeroelastic/dynamic evaluations and weight optimization.
• Basic thermal analysis using hand calculations or FEM may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manage effort within budget and schedule for assigned tasks.
• Prepare designs and documentation per customer requirements.
• Perform structural analyses on aircraft hardware, assemblies and integrations.
• Prepare design review materials for internal/external stakeholders.
• Support flight testing, data reduction, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with QMS procedures and safety practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Structural analysis

Loads development

FEM analysis

Aeroelastic analysis

Dynamic analysis

Weight optimization

Thermal analysis

Data interpretation

Tools

PATRAN

Job description

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.

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:

• 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.

Structural Analysis Engineer I:

• 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.

Structural Analysis Engineer II:

• 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.

Structural Analysis Engineer III:

• Acts as the Lead Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for very complex projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface. Performs the essential job functions listed above independently while making updates and improvements where needed to analysis methods.
• Acts as Test Director for Mechanical/Structures sub-assemblies and assemblies when necessary.
• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to customers.
• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Mentors Level I-II Structural Analysis Engineers.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.
• Monitors and reports on customer satisfaction in relation to projects