Principal Design Engineer

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, with a track record of delivering jet-powered subscale targets at affordable prices. The team prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and growth, fostering a supportive, dynamic workplace that encourages creativity and professional development while honoring personal and family lives.

General Job Summary: Designs and drafts components, assemblies, and tooling commensurate with level of experience.

Responsibilities

Principal Design Engineer (Level V)

• Design components manufactured from composite and metallic materials.
• Develop mechanical fluid systems to route liquids and gases.
• Integrate hardware into complex, tightly packaged mechanical assemblies.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (drawings, specifications, parts lists, interface control documents).
• Use Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) to design, develop, and document models and drawings for aerospace hardware manufacturing; Dassault products (CATIA, 3DX) preferred.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), perform tolerance studies, and determine drawing requirements for affordable, practical designs.
• Prepare and present design review material for technical interchange meetings with suppliers and internal/external customers.
• Ensure assigned scope meets project objectives per schedule and cost targets.
• Apply systems engineering principles; prepare designs per customer and derived engineering requirements.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Support flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Work with PLM systems and configuration control.
• Apply basic knowledge of structural mechanics and analysis.
• Prepare test plans, test procedures, and reports.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods for composite materials and machined metallic hardware highly desired.
• Comply with established Quality Management System procedures.

Additional Principal Design Engineer (V) Duties

• Work performed with general autonomy and little to no oversight; considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Mechanical/Structures Design.
• Frequent liaison, inter-organizational, and customer contact interactions.
• Plan projects and execute to plan with attention to detail.
• Solve issues of advanced complexity; provide innovative solutions to novel problems or create new organizational standards to meet technological challenges.
• Provide interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring Mechanical/Airframe/Subsystem/Tooling requirements are addressed during system integration.
• Manage the engineering team’s effort and time within budget and schedule.
• Report project status periodically (actual vs. proposed budget/schedule).
• Act as discipline/processes/procedures expert; create and innovate new processes and procedures as required.
• Lead and direct work; provide guidance and mentoring.
• Act as prime technical contact on projects/programs for design.
• Serve as advisor to management on incorporation of advanced technologies.

Other Job Functions

• Within Company: Inside immediate department — works closely with engineers and receives instructions from appropriate engineering staff. Outside immediate department — occasional contact with production personnel as needed.
• Outside of Company: Interface with customers and suppliers as needed during project execution; occasional travel to support sales in new business development and customer maintenance as determined by the project engineer.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Required: Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information per 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.
• Preferred: None specified.

Education and Experience

• Each successive designer level builds on qualifications of previous levels.
• Principal Design Engineer (V) Required: BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience; 15+ years related experience in relevant engineering discipline; 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds per KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.
• May work extended hours or weekends.

Travel Requirements

0–15%; may be required between KUAS locations.

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