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Job Descriptions:

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:

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS) is looking for the lead of it’s IRAD portfolios. Shape the future of Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems family of target drones and unmanned tactical aircraft. Provide the vision that shapes investments in technologies and tools that keep the product line at the cutting edge of unmanned air systems. Focus on investments both in engineering and manufacturing, and work with supply chain to identify technology partnerships that can be beneficial to Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Working with the business strategy, develop the technology roadmaps for the products and the tools to develop and build the products. Shape the investments and manage the IRAD portfolio that matures the technologies. Working with the lines of business, develop the technology transition strategies that keep our products on the leading edge of the art of the possible in affordable unmanned tactical aircraft and target drones.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

+ Overarching technical lead on unmanned aircraft systems technology roadmaps

+ Supports business development and program management as the lead technical for the application of the technology roadmap to the program.

+ Supports program management and project engineers with development of program planning strategies, technical cost estimates, evaluations of alternatives, risk management, logistics management, cost-performance trade-offs, preparation of data, status updates and presentations at customer reviews.

+ Directs and works with project engineer(s) to develop the technology maturation plan, funding requirements and specific IRAD projects.

+ Work with the VP of engineering to prioritize the IRAD investment requests and work with finance to support the discretionary funding request and approval cycle.

+ Work with the VP’s of Engineering and production to identify the engineers that will be assigned to work the individual IRAD programs.

+ Assists with setting technical priorities across the IRAD portfolio.

+ Work with the IRAD executing engineers to ensure a technical, cost and schedule baseline is established and that a technical plan is in place to execute the IRAD.

+ Provides direction and leadership on technical and technology issues and collaborates with Director of Engineering, Vice President of Engineering, and/or Engineering Operations Manager, as appropriate from cross-product line issues and lessons learned.

+ Defines and manages risks of technical approaches in terms of resources/tools and personnel needs across the IRAD portfolio.

+ Fosters ethical conduct and personal integrity throughout Engineering to ensure the company’s ability to attract and retain customers in highly competitive environment.

+ Assists the IRAD project engineer(s) with customer requirements, goals, and expectations.

+ Reports progress across the IRAD portfolio in meeting internal customer requirements, goals, and expectations as it relates to the technical roadmap.

+ Provide mentorship to product line project engineer(s).

+ Facilitates implementation of the technical objectives of the program design strategy working closely with the Sr. Project Engineers to ensure the design approach and solutions are aligned with the product line vision.

+ May be assigned to lead complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects outside of the IRAD portfolio.

+ Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

+ No direct reports.

+ Achieves results through leading and mentoring Senior Project Engineers and/or Project Engineers in a matrixed environment.

COMPENSATION: $150,000 - $200,000

#LI-Onsite

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

+ Excellent engineering and/or project management experience.

+ Strong technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and related support systems.

+ Knowledge of military operations.

+ Excellent communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers and engineering team members.

+ Proficiency with MS Office products, including MS Project for Integrated Master Schedule development and review.

+ Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO,EVMS and Export regulations.

+ Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures.

+ Strong understanding and experience with engineering fundamentals.

+ Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government.

+ Strong technical writing skills to communicate internally or externally.

+ Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.

+ 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.

+ Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Preferred:

+ Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry.

+ Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet department and company goals and requirements.

+ Knowledge of company’s operations and procedures preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

+ Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline. Master’s in Business Administration is desirable.

+ Minimum 10 years relevant technical experience with Engineering, Systems, Integration, Test, Software, and/or Engineering Project Leadership, preferably within the aerospace or aviation industries, or minimum 8 years with Master’s degree.

+ May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

+ Office and/or manufacturing environment.

+ May work extended hours or weekends to to complete tasks and meet schedule.

+ May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate. condidtions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals.

+ Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones).

+ Ability to stand and sit for long period of time.

+ May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

+ 25% - 50% May be required.

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

Keyword: Principle / Sr. Principle IRAD Lead Engineer

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 a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [email protected] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense