Senior Principal EO/IR Systems Engineer

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced EO/IR Systems Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the development, analysis, testing, and integration of advanced defense technologies. This position will serve as a senior technical authority for infrared signature management, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system performance, modeling and simulation, test planning, and technology maturation efforts supporting U.S. defense customers.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering efforts, collaborating with government and industry stakeholders, supporting advanced development programs, and guiding technical teams through the full lifecycle of concept development, analysis, test, and fielding. Experience with signature management, infrared phenomenology, modeling and simulation tools, and defense research and development programs is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for EO/IR systems analysis, signature management, and infrared technology development activities.
• Lead development and assessment of EO/IR system concepts, performance analyses, and signature reduction solutions for airborne, ground, or missile systems.
• Support laboratory, field, and flight test activities involving infrared sensors, measurement systems, and EO/IR technologies.
• Develop, maintain, and improve analysis, modeling, simulation, and data-processing tools used for signature prediction and assessment.
• Perform infrared systems analysis utilizing modeling, simulation, test data, and engineering assessments.
• Support customer engagements by translating operational needs into technical approaches and development plans.
• Lead technical trade studies and performance assessments to support design decisions and technology investments.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, white papers, and customer deliverables.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute technology development efforts involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Support proposal development, technology roadmaps, and strategic growth initiatives within the EO/IR mission area.
• Provide technical leadership during integration, test, validation, and operational assessment activities.
• Collaborate with systems, software, electrical, mechanical, and test engineering teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Mentor junior engineers and analysts while helping cultivate technical excellence across the organization.
• Support risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies for technical and programmatic challenges.
• Interface directly with government customers, laboratories, prime contractors, and internal leadership.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
15+ years of experience supporting defense, aerospace, or advanced technology programs.
Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR systems, infrared signature management, infrared phenomenology, or signature analysis.
Experience leading technical teams and serving as a primary customer interface.
Experience supporting advanced development, research, technology maturation, or prototype programs.
Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
Experience developing and executing technical plans, analyses, and customer deliverables.
Working knowledge of modeling and simulation techniques used for EO/IR performance assessment.
Experience supporting system test, laboratory evaluations, field demonstrations, or flight test activities.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 25+ years of aerospace and defense industry experience.
• Experience supporting classified programs and advanced development efforts.
• Experience with infrared systems measurement and characterization techniques.
• Experience managing or leading IRAD, CRAD, or customer-funded technology programs.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), program planning, and CDRL development.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and technical data analysis tools.
• Experience with EO/IR modeling, simulation, and systems prediction tools.
• Familiarity with RF signature analysis and survivability disciplines.
• Active or recently held DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred.

Key Competencies

• EO/IR Systems Analysis
• Infrared Phenomenology
• Advanced Modeling & Simulation
• Technical Leadership
• Customer Engagement
• Program Management
• Technology Development
• Test Planning and Execution
• Root Cause Analysis
• Data Analysis and Tool Development
• Technical Communication
• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
• Strategic Technology Planning
• Defense Systems Engineering