Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III-IV

About the role

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. Customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. Kratos prioritizes affordability, leveraging proven, cutting-edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, develops, delivers, integrates, and supports high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, KUAS has demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the U.S. military and global allies.

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.

Responsibilities

• Act as Lead Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer for very complex projects affecting multiple systems, involving several suppliers/teaming partners, and requiring frequent customer interface.
• Act as Test Director when necessary for mechanical, structural, and subsystems tests.
• Provide direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.
• Support business development efforts in preparation of quotes, proposals, and sales efforts.
• Interface with other engineering design and development disciplines to ensure Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.
• Manage effort and time within the budget and schedule provided; report progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.
• Understand customer requirements and prepare designs in accordance with customer and derived requirements.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (drawings, specifications, parts lists, interface control documents, test procedures, analysis reports, etc.).
• Prepare and present design review and technical interchange material to suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Ensure customer satisfaction in relation to projects.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, and problem resolution; support flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting; prepare test plans and reports.
• Follow safety precautions; ensure work area and equipment are kept clean; comply with established QMS procedures.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III additional duties:

• Monitor and report on customer satisfaction in relation to projects.
• Mentor Level I–II Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer IV additional duties:

• Plan projects and execute to the plan with attention to detail.
• Manage the engineering team’s effort and time within the budget and schedule; report project status periodically (actual vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• Mentor Level I–III Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

Requirements

• 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 (0–10%).
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III (required):

• BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• 6+ years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 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 (required):

• 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.

Skills

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer III (preferred):

• 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 substitute for 1 year).
• Experience with CATIA.
• Experience with Matlab for dynamic simulation of landing gear and shock/vibration test data analysis.
• Working knowledge of JSSG, Mil-Spec, and FAA airworthiness.

Mechanisms and Landing Gear Engineer IV (preferred):

• 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 substitute for 1 year).
• Experience with CATIA.
• Experience with Matlab for dynamic simulation of landing gear and shock/vibration test data analysis.
• Working knowledge of JSSG, Mil-Spec, and FAA airworthiness.

Work environment

• 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

0–10%; may be required between KUAS locations and/or vendor sites.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short