Senior Project Engineer (Active Clearance Required)

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:

In support of the technical vision of the product line, the Senior Project Engineer provides technical planning and leadership for assigned project(s) through the design, development and implementation activities from product definition and planning through production to release and end of life. For assigned project(s), the Senior Project Engineer is: the design authority; the external and internal customer technical representative; responsible for defining the technical approach, resource requirements and execution of project/program tasks, with a focus on the coordination of internal engineering activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Has technical design authority for assigned projects within the technical vision and roadmap of the product line as defined by the overarching design authority
• Leads the development of program planning technical strategies, technical cost estimates, evaluation of alternatives, risk management, logistics management, cost-performance trade-offs, preparation of data, status updates and presentations at customer reviews.
• Manages complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects working in a hands-on capacity and coordinating cross functional team activities to ensure completion of the project on time and within budget.
• Develops project requirements from contract scope and provides technical solutions.
• Serves as the central resource with design, process, manufacturing, test, quality and business development as the product moves to production working closely with lead engineer to ensure competent technical design is completed in a timely manner.
• Works with the program management on assessing customer requirements, developing technical solutions, and the integration of requirements into the product line design and leads design reviews.
• Provides team leadership and coaching:
• Directs execution and problem resolution across the engineering team on assigned program(s):
• Coordinates team logistics:
• Monitors and reports technical status, task accomplishments and direction.
  • Supports Project Engineer(s) with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) inputs for assigned projects, if required by the project.
• Implements execution of company engineering processes. Complies with released processes and provides feedback on engineering process improvements.
• Integrates Customer, Subcontractor and Company requirements and efforts relative to the program to ensure overall success.
• Interfaces Subcontractors / Suppliers as required and in coordination with Supply Chain Management
• Reviews deliverables with Program Manager for content and quality
• Works cross-functionally as a project leader to achieve program requirements.
• Interfaces with peer Sr. Project Engineers, Chief Engineers, Program IPT Leads, as well as functional management and engineering teams / personnel.
• Provide mentorship to Project Engineer(s) and team members.
• Assists in accomplishing human resource strategies by communicating and enforcing values, policies, and procedures; mentors engineers assigned to project, providing performance input to the appraisal of employees, and reviewing/recognizing job contributions.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Participates in achieving the technical objectives of the company's product line design strategy working closely with Chief Engineers or other Sr. Project Engineers to ensure the design strategy is in line with the product line vision.
• For project(s)/contract(s) without Project Engineer assignments, performs the Project Engineer roles.
• Provides team with a vision of the program technical objectives.
• Creates an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking and cohesive team effort.
• Facilitates problem solving and collaboration.
• Ensures discussions and decisions lead toward closure.
• Knows and understands all technical contractual requirements and how they are allocated across the program Integrated Product Team (IPT) structure, if IPTs are applicable.
• Coordinates with internal and external customers as necessary
• Ensures the engineering team is familiar with and compliant with the company's and the customer's needs, specifications, design goals, the development process, design standards, techniques and tools to support task performance.
• Maintains a system-level perspective on the project and facilitates communication across the team to eliminate conflict and maximize efficiency.
• Ensures deliverables that are prepared to satisfy program requirements are technically compliant with applicable requirements, delivered on time, and meet cost objectives.
• Lead/manage various integrated project teams on assigned projects.
• Works with IPT Leads (IPTL) and functional management to obtain necessary resources to support the resource requirements.
• Coordinates the review, presentation and release of designs, drawings, analysis, and other documentation to support requirements.
• Coordinates with the Program Manager (PM) and functional management to discuss program impediments or issues / delays in completing tasks.
• Acting as or working closely with the Control Account Manager (CAM) or Project Engineer, monitors, and coordinates status reporting of IPT activities against the program plan: technical scope, cost and schedule
• Keeps the overarching design authority informed of task accomplishments, issues, solutions, and status.
• Escalates issues which cannot be resolved at the IPT level and works with the Chief Engineer and Program Manager to determine and implement a resolution.
• Provides guidance to the engineering team based on management direction.

Compensation:

$135,000 - $170,000 Annually

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• This position requires an active Secret Clearance with reinvestigation within the last five years.
• Strong project management skills including resource estimates for engineering effort requirements (hours) and timing (schedule)
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing tasks and resources for multiple projects and / or elements on a complex program.
• Knowledge of military operations
• Strong technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and related support systems
• Strong understanding and experience with engineering fundamentals and best practices
• Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government
• Strong communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers, and engineering team members
• Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including MS Project for Integrated Master Schedule development and review.
• Ability to think analytically to produce accurate analysis/rationale and use good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively.
• Ability to estimate manpower requirements to meet project objectives.
• 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 occasionally and sometimes with short notice.
• Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of Earned Value reporting and Control Account Management.

Preferred:

• Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet department and company goals and requirements for assigned project(s)
• Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO, EVMS and Export regulations
• Ability to estimate manpower requirements to support proposal efforts is preferred.
• Knowledge of company's operations and procedures is desired.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Minimum 15 years relevant experience with Engineering, Systems, Integration, Test, Software, and/or Engineering Project Leadership, preferably within the aerospace or aviation industries, or minimum 8 years with Master's degree
• This position requires an active Secret Clearance with reinvestigation within the last five years.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office, manufacturing, and field environment
• May work extended hours or weekends to complete tasks and meet schedule.
• Ability to moderately travel domestically/internationally
• May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones)
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Up to 5% - May be required between other KUAS locations and customer sites.

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