Signal Processor (SIGPRO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) - SPY-1

Job Descriptions:

Kratos is seeking an experienced Signal Processor (SIGPRO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the sustainment, overhaul, and modernization of the AN/SPY-1 radar system, with a specific focus on the signal processor subsystem. The SME will provide in-depth technical guidance across engineering, sustainment, and depot-level repair planning. This position plays a critical role in restoring and modernizing radar capabilities by supporting design recovery, system troubleshooting, test strategy development, and obsolescence resolution for legacy digital and analog processing architectures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to analyze and document the design and functional behavior of legacy signal processor components, including digital processing modules, interface cards, and timing assemblies.

• Support design recovery and traceability efforts, working from GFI, limited technical data, or harvested hardware.

• Define and support the development of prototype subassemblies, repair processes, and test capabilities to validate organic sustainment approaches.

• Develop and validate functional test procedures, signal flow diagrams, and performance benchmarks.

• Identify critical components at risk due to obsolescence, and support alternate part qualification, reverse engineering, or redesign as necessary.

• Coordinate with systems engineers, test engineers, and OEM partners to ensure alignment with weapon system interface requirements and mission-critical timing/data processing functionality.

• Provide technical input to Integrated Technical Data Packages (ITDPs), depot stand-up planning, and operator/maintainer training materials.

• Ensure test and repair processes comply with NAVSEA and METCAL standards where applicable.

• Serve as the technical lead for the AN/SPY-1 Signal Processor subsystem across all radar variants (D, D(V), D(MOD)).

Required Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Understanding of legacy digital processing architectures, A/D conversion, timing synchronization, and signal conditioning.

• Experience with diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair at the board and component level.

• Familiarity with tools used for signal integrity analysis, logic analyzers, and boundary scan testing.

• Proven ability to read, interpret, and reverse-engineer technical data, schematics, and embedded processing logic.

• Experience developing or reviewing test procedures and technical documentation for government sustainment programs.

• Active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work with AEGIS Combat System interfaces, SPY-1 timing architectures, or radar track processing functions.

• Familiarity with DoD obsolescence mitigation strategies, including reverse engineering, emulation, and form-fit-function redesign.

• Experience supporting ORDALT implementation, depot activation, or prototype validation.

• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices or digital engineering toolsets.

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience with radar or advanced signal processing systems, including 5+ years supporting AN/SPY-1 or equivalent phased array radar systems.

Travel: ~10–20%, including to shipyards, government labs, and partner facilities.

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Keyword: Signal Processor, SIGPRO, SME

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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From: Kratos Defense