Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer III - IV

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, leveraging proven, cutting‑edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks. General Job Summary Come be part of a team working on the latest advancements in unmanned aircraft. Perform a diverse array of engineering tasks related to the aerodynamic design, analysis, simulation, and test of unmanned aerial vehicles. Help develop the control laws and flight‑control systems for our next generations of unmanned tactical air systems and target drones. Essential Job Functions Aircraft dynamics, subsystem modeling and simulation Control system gain and filter design and stability margin evaluation Evaluation of flight dynamics, flying qualities, and aircraft flight path performance Perform non‑linear control system robustness testing Design and implement operator interfaces, autonomous logic algorithms, waypoint following, and path generation algorithms Guidance algorithm development, analysis and test Navigation system design, analysis, and test Derive subsystem requirements and specifications Support subsystem testing and verification Flight test planning, execution, and analysis Support aircraft design at all phases of development Wind tunnel test planning support Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities Analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (drawings, specifications, test procedures, technical reports, etc.) Prepare and present design review material for technical interchange meetings with suppliers and internal/external customers Support customer training activities Foreign and domestic travel to support flight test activities Other duties may be assigned Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer III Perform complex engineering tasks as assigned by manager Support program planning of engineering activities through detailed scope definition Act as System Engineer to communicate top‑level requirements to subsystems and determine verification and validation methods Report progress on engineering efforts to technical leadership Provide direction and oversight to Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineers Establish and maintain best practices for design, analysis, and testing responsibilities of the group Mentor Level I‑II Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineers Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer IV Provide oversight to the Guidance, Navigation, and Control group to prioritize and delegate work according to programmatic requirements Manage the engineering team’s effort and time within budget and schedule constraints Act as key liaison for internal and external programs on aerodynamic design, performance, stability and control, propulsion, modeling and simulation, and verification Stay current on state‑of‑practice through training and industry exposure, and mentor the group Mentor Level I‑III Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineers Supervisory Responsibility None Compensation $120,000 – $190,000 Experience and Skills Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Required Understanding of basic aircraft dynamic modes Understanding of flight‑control logic and automation Ability to create a runtime environment for autonomous functions Knowledge of basic software development process Demonstrated focus on customer satisfaction Demonstrated strong communication skills Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties 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 Adherence to workplace rules Effective communication professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship) Preferred MATLAB and Simulink experience strongly preferred Familiarity with C/C++ and Java strongly preferred Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations Understanding of autopilot flight‑control design strongly preferred Familiarity with software configuration management systems preferred Education and Experience Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer III BS degree in Engineering (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred) 6 + years related experience in engineering discipline 3 + years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer IV BS degree in Engineering (MS Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred) 11 + years related experience in engineering discipline 6 + years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry Work Environment / Physical Requirements Office or manufacturing environment Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key phones) Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers May work extended hours or weekends May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with safety guidelines Travel Requirements 10–25 % travel may be required to support flight test activities, new business development, and customer maintenance occasionally Job Benefits Medical, Dental & Vision insurance coverage Life/ADD & short/long‑term disability insurance 401(k) savings plan Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) Paid time‑off (PTO) Holidays Education reimbursement EEO Statement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer. EOE for minors, females, veterans, disabled, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kratos Defense and Security Solutions