Weapons Systems Aerospace Engineer
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic models including complete 6-DOF force and moment databases, uncertainty quantification models, and pseudo-6DOF Monte Carlo simulations for trajectory analysis and guidance system evaluation
- Execute computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses using STAR-CCM+, OVERFLOW, Kestrel, and other solver tools to predict aerodynamic performance, optimize inlet designs, characterize unsteady flow phenomena, and resolve shock-boundary layer interactions
- Plan, coordinate, and execute wind tunnel test programs including test article design, facility coordination, instrumentation planning, data acquisition oversight, and post-test data analysis and reporting
- Create physics-based models of flight systems for use in trajectory simulations
- Lead multi-disciplinary integrated product teams as the aerodynamic technical authority, facilitating weekly technical reviews, mitigating technical risks, evaluating schedules, and ensuring alignment between aerodynamic requirements and system-level performance objectives
- Generate test plans, test procedures and test reports
- Develop custom engineering tools and optimization algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and other programming languages to automate aerodynamic design processes, perform trade studies, and efficiently evaluate large design spaces
- Participate in full system integration tests and vehicle launch activities
- Mentor junior engineers and technical staff on aerodynamic prediction methodologies, CFD best practices, design tool utilization, and missile system integration considerations while contributing to organizational capability development
Requirements
May require up to 25% travel to support launch operations.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience developing 6-DOF aerodynamic models including force and moment coefficient databases for flight simulation and guidance system evaluation
- Proven track record leading technical teams on missile development programs from conceptual design through flight test or production
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar languages for data analysis, tool development, and design optimization
- Direct involvement in air-breathing propulsion integration for ramjet, scramjet, or turbine-powered missile systems (highly desired)
- Experience with Monte-Carlo analysis plans and execution
- Proficient in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB
- Good communication skills
Skills
- Experience with aerodynamic prediction tools including Missile DATCOM, panel methods, engineering analysis codes, or semi-empirical prediction techniques
- Experience with CFD software such as STAR-CCM+, OVERFLOW, Kestrel, and other solver tools
- Experience with wind tunnel test programs and data analysis
- Experience with custom engineering tools and optimization algorithms
- Experience with full system integration tests and vehicle launch activities
- Experience with mentoring junior engineers and technical staff
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
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 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. 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.
Contact Information
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.
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.