Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer

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:

Sets the direction for how KUAS performs air vehicle structural analysis and establishes the methods used by the structural analysis team. Provides inspiration and guidance for the analysis team as they balance analytical rigor and precision with meeting program budget and schedule. As well as contributing subject matter expertise and spearheading continuous improvement efforts, provides structural analysis support.i 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Considered a champion of emerging technologies in their field. Also brings suitable existing proven technologies into widespread, consistent, and efficient use at KUAS.
• May be called upon for strategic guidance on setting technical vision and pushing the boundaries for innovation and technology for the organization.
• Responsible for conference participation, technical training, and keeping current with modern technologies and industry trends in their field.
• 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.
• Acts as the Lead Structural Analysis Engineer and/or Technical Lead per procedure for very complex projects that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• Assists with mechanical material characterization test plans and strength allowable development.
• Has responsibility for improving analysis skills, tools, communication and overall effectiveness for the team. Provides technical guidance and provides final review for analysis tools, methods, and reports.
• Considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Structural Analysis methods and tools. Participates in design reviews as a SME.
• Acts as Test Director when necessary.
• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Plans projects and executes to the plan with attention to detail.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Manages the engineering teamis effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• May act as prime technical contact on projects/program for design.
• Has frequent liaison, inter-organizational, and customer contact interactions. Takes the lead to steer analysis tasks, projects, and decision meetings to a successful outcome.
• Provides innovative solutions to novel problems.
• 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.
• Will still be considered an individual contributor and expected to work direct program tasks the majority of the time.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer (VI)

• Performs the essential job functions listed above with general autonomy and little to no oversight. Recommends particular tasks and approach and then executes the plan.
• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, program leadership and engineering department leadership, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration. Provides oversight and guidance for all aspects of structural/mechanical engineering analysis from a strong understanding of first principals and fundamental physics including thermal, fluids, aeroelasticity, shock, vibration/ dynamics, and mechanics of materials.
• Mentors Level I-V Structural Analysis Engineers
• Develops new methods, organizational standards and processes for analysis and test, while ensuring that the KUAS structural analysis method is maintained, improved and tailored to meet business needs.
• Professionally represent KUAS in industry with customers, tradeshows and technical forums and implement resulting knowledge for use by the KUAS team.
• Support new business proposals by acting as technical lead, estimating analysis tasks, planning the schedule, and coordinating all engineering disciplines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

#LI-Onsite

COMPENSATION:i$170,000 - $200,000

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strength engineering experience in the Aerospace or Defense industry is required.
• Proficiency with classical stress analysis techniques and finite element modeling for both loads and strength is 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 travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.

Preferred:

• Experience with Composite Materials modeling and analysis is strongly preferred.
• Experience with structural test design and finite element model correlation is strongly preferred.
• Basic thermal analysis skills using hand calculations, network analysis and/or FEM is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CATIA computer aided design software and model use.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 20 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 10 years minimum experience with Hypermesh/Femap/Patran and Nastran is required. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 4 of the 10 years.
• 2 years minimum experience with structural analysis at KUAS Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Preferred:

• 15+ years engineering leadership experience in the aerospace industry, such as overseeing analysis tasks, reviewing and approving work.

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).
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• 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.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED 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 AREiINCIDENTAL 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.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES