Chief Engineer - Aircraft Development (Security Clearance Required)

Reference: 85347-369089Kratos 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:The Chief Engineer for Aircraft Development is responsible for leading the technical vision, engineering strategy, and overall system integration for a next generation unmanned aircraft program. This role oversees the complete engineering lifecycle—from concept development and requirements definition through detailed design, testing, certification, and entry into service. The Chief Engineer ensures all designs meet performance, safety, regulatory, schedule, and cost objectives while driving innovation and technical excellence across multidisciplinary engineering teams.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Defining and maintaining the aircraft’s technical baseline, architecture, and requirementsLeading cross-functional engineering teams (structures, propulsion, avionics, systems, flight sciences, manufacturing engineering, etc.)Serving as the primary technical authority and decision maker for the aircraftManaging technical risks and resolving complex engineering issuesEnsuring compliance with FAA/DoD/industry standards and working closely with certification authoritiesPartnering with program management on schedule, cost, and technical trade decisionsRepresenting engineering to executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and regulatorsDriving a culture of safety, innovation, engineering discipline, and continuous improvementSupports business development as the lead technical contact for proposal efforts relating to the product lineCreates and maintains the technical road map for the product lineSupports 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 reviewsDirect and work with engineering team to develop solutions to customer requirements and facilitate resolutions where product line conflicts ariseFor the assigned product line and product line derivatives, is the overriding design authority for the product including all new development and product enhancementsResponsible for facilitating the integration of multi-program/project requirements without design/manufacturing configuration and the costAssists with setting priorities across the product line. Ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and coordinated with project engineer(s)Provides support to Project Engineer(s) as necessary, to include, but not limited or project planning, estimating, execution of project tasks and management of the engineering team of integrated product team (IPT)Assists the functional managers with developing and implementing improved procedures and standards to ensure that output is high quality, accurate, on –time, and within budget; which includes establishing metrics (key performance indicators) for the engineering projects and accountabilities for achieving resultsProvides direction and leadership on technical and technology issues and collaborates with Chief Technical Officer, Vice President of Engineering, Technical Director, and/or Engineering Operations Manager, as appropriate from cross-product line issues and lessons learnedDefines and manages risks of technical approaches in terms of resources/tools and personnel needs across the product lineEnforces the execution of company engineering design processesLead failure analysis and root cause investigation using corrective action tools and techniques needed to effectively solve problemsFosters ethical conduct and personal integrity throughout Engineering to ensure the company’s ability to attract and retain customers in highly competitive environmentAssists the project engineer(s) with customer requirements, goals, and expectationsReports progress across the product line in meeting external/internal customer requirements, goals, and expectations as it relates to the technical roadmapMay act as Design Authority for approval of engineering technical data package elements (engineering drawings, specification, etc.)Works with supply chain and strategic suppliers to ensure suppliers meet engineering specificationsProvide mentorshipMay be assigned to lead complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects outside of the assigned product lineOther duties may be assignedSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:No direct reportsAchieves results through leading and mentoring an engineering team in a matrixed environment COMPENSATION:$185,000 - $225,000#LI-Onsite BenefitsMedical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement