Field Support Engineer I-III

General Job Summary

Works field Engineering projects and provides solutions to engineering problems. Supports flight operations, maintenance and logistical support for unmanned aerial target systems and related equipment. Fosters ethical conduct, practices, and personal integrity throughout KUAS to ensure KUAS’s ability to attract and retain customers in a highly competitive environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Field Support Engineer I:
  • Manages effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
    • Understands customer requirements and reviews requirements documents.
    • Supports system testing, trouble shooting, and problem resolution.
    • Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
    • Prepares test plans and reports.
    • Utilizes the TAS (Tool Accountability System) for proper tool control and hazardous material utilization.
    • Follows safety precautions.
    • Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean.
    • Complies with established QMS procedures.
    • Supports Target operations in multiple capacities.
  • May be required to conduct unmanned target operations as a remote-control operator (RCO) upon successful completion of all required internal and external training and certifications.
  • Regular outside contact – Customers and logistical support commands as needed.
  • Travel required.
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Field Support Engineer II:
  • Breakout, buildup, testing procedures including hush-house operations during engine run, and decontamination procedures.
  • Performs troubleshooting activities and aircraft depot rework/repair.
  • Acts as Test Director when necessary.
  • Affords coordination of flight operations at field sites (e.g., Tyndall, UTTR, Pt. Mugu) with customer to obtain proper infrastructure and personnel support.
  • Mentors Level I Field Support Engineers.
  • Sustains business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.
  • Supports land and boat recovery efforts when required.
  • Evaluates test plans and reports.
  • Sustains engineering efforts with review of processes, wire drawings, schematics, and fishbone analysis for trouble shooting.
  • Participates in post mission/operations debriefs as required.
  • Trains system operators on the proper/safe operation of aircraft.
  • May be required to conduct unmanned tactical operations as a remote-control operator (RCO) upon successful completion of all required internal and external training and certifications.
• Field Support Engineer III:
  • Plans assigned projects and executes to the plan with attention to detail.
  • Manages the engineering team’s effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for assigned tasks.
  • Mentors Level I-II Field Support Engineers.
  • Reviews and ensures adequate facilities are available and maintained at applicable target operations sites (e.g., Tyndall, UTTR, Pt Mugu), including target preparation, power distribution, engine run hush house, and launch facilities.
  • Provides real-time support to RCO, DCO, and the Mission Commander during flight operations.
  • Makes sure customer satisfaction and meeting customer requirements.
  • Attends Operational Readiness Review, MIPR, TIMS, FRR, PMR, and Staff meetings as required.
  • Provides customer interface and support at field site and customer location, as required, to coordinate processing of program documentation (e.g., Engineering Change Proposals, Proposals, CDRL documents, etc.).
  • Consults and advises Programs and Business Development departments on new government/customer opportunities.
  • Interacts with intra-organizational managers concerning matters of significance to KUAS.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Experience and Skills

• Required: Tracks time spent on jobs and enters it electronically, as required.
• Required: Each successive level of Field Support Engineer builds on the identified typical qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Systems Engineer.
• Field Support Engineer I: BS degree in a related technical field (Engineering or equivalent) preferred. Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction. Demonstrated strong communication skills. Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties. Communicates in English, both written and verbal. Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction. Demonstrated strong professional communication skills. Demonstrates a “hands-on” proactive approach. Possess or able to obtain US Government security clearance. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet program requirements.
• Field Support Engineer II: At least 3 years of diversified flight operations and maintenance experience on unmanned aerial systems, including targets. Familiar with graphite composite fabrication and repair techniques. Proficient with the workings of the drone and all support systems. Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Field Support Engineer III: At least 8 years of diversified flight operations and maintenance experience on unmanned aerial target systems. Extensive experience with graphite composite fabrication and repair techniques. Proficient with Microsoft PowerPoint. Be proficient with the ATTS and/or MPTTS. Understand the working structure of the launch system, launcher and support system for launch operations including the LCC and launch infrastructure. Understand the scoring system and components utilized.
• Preferred: Each successive level of Field Support Engineer builds on the identified typical qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Systems Engineer.
• Field Support Engineer II: Experience in military aviation or aerospace industry. Experience with Government Database reporting systems. Experience with Government logistical support command/systems. Experience with field operations or maintenance of subscale aerial target systems or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
• Field Support Engineer III: Lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry. FAA Aircraft & Power Plant License or equivalent positions/responsibilities with time-in-service in US Military. Current or previous qualification as a flight controller, RCO, or DCO for UAS or subscale aerial target systems.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• Office, manufacturing or field environment.
• Must perform and/or assist all activities normally found in aerial target maintenance, including the use of hand and power tools, lifting heavy objects, and working with industrial chemicals and adhesives such as epoxy, grease, jet fuel, oils, and cleaners.
• May be required to work extended hours of time, and/or weekends as needed.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

10-50% - Frequent travel between KUAS locations, domestically and internationally.

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

Company Information

• 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.
• Their customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies.
• 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).
• At Kratos, they prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of their technology.
• They leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply.

Veterans

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories under federal, state or local law.

Accessibility

Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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.