Principal Project Engineer

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 Principal Project Engineer provides high-level technical authority with strategic as well as tactical project management of assigned projects through design, development and implementation activities from product definition and planning through production and end of life. They oversee complex engineering lifecycles, act as internal and external customer technical representatives, manage resource needs, and bridge the gap between business objectives, engineering execution, and stakeholder expectations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leads development of program planning strategies, technical cost estimates, evaluations of alternatives, risk management, logistics management, cost-performance trade-offs, preparation of data, status updates and presentations at customer reviews.
• Leads multidisciplinary teams of mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineers to deliver solutions from inception through completion.
• Expert in Project Planning, Coordination and Control of complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects. Directly responsible for hitting engineering project objectives related to cost, schedule and technical requirements.
• For the assigned program and program derivatives, may act as technical lead or design authority for the product including all new development and product enhancements. ii
• Supports business development and program management as the lead technical contact for proposal efforts relating to the program.
• Directs and works with other project engineer(s) to develop solutions to customer requirements and facilitates resolutions where product line conflicts arise.
• Drives or assists in setting technical priorities across the program. Ensures roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and coordinated.
• Assists the functional managers with developing and implementing improved procedures and standards to ensure that output is high quality, accurate, on itime, and within budget; which includes establishing metrics (key performance indicators) for the engineering projects and accountabilities for achieving results.
• Provides direction and leadership on technical and technology issues and collaborates with Director of Engineering, Vice President of Engineering, and/or Engineering Operations Manager, as appropriate from cross-product line issues and lessons learned.
• Defines and manages risks of technical approaches in terms of resources/tools and personnel needs across the product line.
• Enforces the execution of company engineering design processes.
• Lead failure analysis and root cause investigation using corrective action tools and techniques needed to effectively solve problems.
• Fosters ethical conduct and personal integrity throughout Engineering to ensure the companyis ability to attract and retain customers in highly competitive environment.
• Reports progress across the program in meeting external/internal customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
• Provide mentorship to product line project engineer(s).
• Assist in accomplishing human resource strategies by communicating and enforcing values, policies, and procedures; mentoring product line Project Engineer(s), providing input into the appraisal of employees, and reviewing/recognizing job contributions.
• Facilitates implementation of the technical objectives of the program design strategy working closely with the Sr. Project Engineers to ensure the design approach and solutions are aligned with the product line vision.
• May be assigned to lead complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects outside of the assigned program.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• No direct reports.
• Achieves results through leading and mentoring Senior Project Engineers and/or Project Engineers in a matrixed environment.

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Excellent engineering and/or project management experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and related support systems.
• Knowledge of military operations.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers and engineering team members.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including MS Project for Integrated Master Schedule development and review.
• Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO,EVMS and Export regulations.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures.
• Strong understanding and experience with engineering fundamentals.
• Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government.
• Strong technical writing skills to communicate internally or externally.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• 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 effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Preferred:

• Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet department and company goals and requirements.
• Knowledge of companyis operations and procedures preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bacheloris degree in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline.
• Minimum 15 years relevant technical experience with Engineering, Systems, Integration, Test, Software, and/or Engineering Project Leadership, preferably within the aerospace or aviation industries.
• 5+ Years as Project or Technical Lead.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• Masteris degree in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline. Masteris in Business Administration is desirable.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• May work extended hours or weekends to to complete tasks and meet schedule.
• May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate. condidtions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones).
• Ability to stand and sit for long period of time.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

N/A