Mechanisms and Landing Gear 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. 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 Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III/IV designs and predicts the performance of landing gear systems and other mechanisms for unmanned aerial vehicles. Develops loads and performs structural sizing for landing and ground operations using hand calculation methods, structural dynamics, and explicit simulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineers. Each level of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Acts as the Lead Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer for very complex projects as assigned by his/her manager that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface.
• Acts as Test Director when necessary for mechanical, structural, and subsystems tests.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.
• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Manages effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task. Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Understands customer requirements and prepares designs in accordance with customer and derived requirements.
• Prepares formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e., drawings, specifications, parts lists, interface control documents, test procedures, analysis reports, etc.).
• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to 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.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III

• Monitors and reports on customer satisfaction in relation to projects.
• Mentors Level I-II Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer IV

• Plans projects and executes to the plan with attention to detail.
• Manages the engineering teamis effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• Mentors Level I-III Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Compensation: $120,000 - $170,000

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

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:

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 6 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with landing gear or mechanisms design and analysis including kinematics, loads development, and structural sizing.
• In-depth experience in landing simulations and landing gear detail design.
• Experience in hydraulics and brake design and control.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 11 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 3 years of experience with landing gear or mechanisms design and analysis including kinematics, loads development, and structural sizing.
• In-depth experience in landing simulations and landing gear detail design.
• Experience in hydraulics and brake design and control.

Preferred:

Each successive level of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III

• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• 2 years of experience with Hypermesh/Femap/PATRAN and NASTRAN. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 1 of the 2 years.
• Experience with CATIA.
• Experience with Matlab for dynamic simulation of landing gear and also shock/vibration test data analysis.
• Working knowledge of JSSG, Mil-Spec and FAA airworthiness.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer IV

• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.
• 2-3 years minimum experience with Hypermesh/Femap/PATRAN and NASTRAN. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 1 of the 2 years.
• Experience with CATIA.
• Experience with Matlab for dynamic simulation of landing gear and also shock/vibration test data analysis.
• Working knowledge of JSSG, Mil-Spec and FAA airworthiness.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and 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 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 between KUAS locations and or vendor sites.

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