Project Engineer

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:

Working with the design authority for assigned project(s), the Project Engineer supports the development and maintenance of the technical plan from project kick-off through closure of contract. Responsible for tracking execution of technical scope as defined by the design authority, with a focus of maintaining cost and schedule goals. Facilitates coordination of cross-functional engineering teams for internal engineering activities here at KUAS.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supports program management and design authority with development of program planning strategies, technical cost estimates, risk management, logistics management, preparation of data, status updates and preparation of presentations for internal/external customer reviews.
• Works with program management and the design authority on assessing customer requirements, planning technical solutions and integration of requirements into the project plan.
• Prepares estimates to complete, reviews schedules, and coordinates with integrated product team (IPT) leads and program management office, as applicable.
• Understands technical contractual requirements and allocation across the engineering team.
• Maintain awareness of Subcontract Data Requirements List (SDRL) or Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items and other applicable contract deliverables
• Manages planning and work packages: initiate, create, authorize, review, distribute, status work packages.
• Manages technical execution as defined by design authority and communicates problem resolution from design authority across the engineering team.

Coordinates team logistics:

• Works with IPT leads (IPTL) and functional management to obtain necessary resources to support the resource requirements.
• Coordinates the review, presentation, and release of design documentation to support requirements compliance.
• Coordinates with the Program Manager (PM), design authority and functional management to communicate program impediments or issues / delays in completing tasks.
• Monitors and reports technical status, task accomplishments and design authority direction.
• Working closely with the project leads, monitors, and coordinates status reporting of project activities against the project plan:
  • Technical scope, cost, and schedule
  • Keeps the lead engineer informed of task accomplishments, issues, solutions, and status.
  • Escalates issues which cannot be resolved at the IPT level or working level and works with the program leadership to determine and implement a resolution.
  • Provides guidance to the engineering team based on management direction.
  • Gathers and maintains status of the technical scope and execution of major divisions, or components of the project(s)
  • Integrates Customer, Subcontractor and Company requirements and efforts relative to the project plan to ensure overall success.
  • Works cross-functionally as a project coordinator to status project requirements
  • Interfaces with peer Project Engineers, design authorities, project IPTLs, as well as functional management and engineering teams / personnel
  • May have contact with Customers and Subcontractors / Suppliers as required and in coordination with Supply Chain Management
  • Implements execution of company engineering processes. Complies with released processes and provides feedback on engineering process improvements.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• No direct reports
• Achieves results through lead engineer (Chief and/or Sr. Project Engineer) guidance and direction.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Basic project management skills including resource estimates for engineering effort requirements (hours) and timing (schedule)
• Working knowledge with MS Office products, including MS Project for schedule development and review
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing tasks and resources for a single projects.
• Basic understanding and experience with engineering fundamentals and best practices
• Basic presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as subcontractors, customers, and government
• Good communication and relationship skills with program leadership, engineering leadership, customers, and engineering team members
• 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.
• Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of military operations
• Technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and related support systems
• Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing tasks and resources for multiple projects and / or elements on a complex program.
• 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
• Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures.
• Ability to travel and with short notice.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value reporting and Control Account Management is desired.
• Knowledge of company's operations and procedures is desired.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience with Engineering, Systems, Integration, Test, Software, and / or Engineering Project Leadership, preferably within the aerospace or aviation industries, or minimum 3 years with Master's degree
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred:

• N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office or manufacturing and field environment
• May work extended hours or weekends occasionally to complete tasks and meet schedule
• Ability to occasionally 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:

• 0-25% May be required between other KUAS locations

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