Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in California

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.

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000

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:

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

Structural Analysis Engineer I

• 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).

Preferred:

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

Structural Analysis Engineer I

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet program requirements with general supervision.

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.