Structural Analysis Engineer I-IV - (Clearance Required)

Job Descriptions:

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:

Under direction of the lead structures engineer and/or the chief engineer, perform structural sizing and layout for a new or existing unmanned composite aircraft and related ground support equipment. Assignments will require experience with detailed analysis procedures, loads development, FEM analysis, PATRAN, initial layout and sizing, structural integrity evaluations, composite materials allowable development, aeroelastic and dynamic evaluations, and weight optimization. Basic thermal analysis using hand calculations, resistance capacitance network analysis and/or FEM may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Mechanical/Structures Engineers. Each level of Mechanical/Structures Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Manages effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.

• Understands customer requirements and prepares designs in accordance with customer and derived requirements.

• Performs a variety of structural analyses related to aircraft hardware design, mechanical assembly, and hardware integration to ensure designs meet performance requirements.

• Prepares formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e. drawings, specifications, parts lists, interface control documents, test procedures, etc.).

• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.

• Ensures customer satisfaction in relation to projects.

• Supports system testing, trouble shooting, and problem resolution.

• Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.

• Prepares test plans and reports.

• Follows safety precautions.

• Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean.

• Complies with established QMS procedures.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Structural Analysis Engineer I:

• Acts as the Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for simple projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead Performs the essential job functions listed above under guidance and specific direction of more senior structural analysts and manager.

Structural Analysis Engineer II:

• Acts as the Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for more complex projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead. Performs the essential job functions listed above independently for simpler tasks, relies on guidance of more senior structural analysts and manager for more complex projects.

• Acts as Test Director for Mechanical/Structures sub-assemblies and assemblies when necessary.

• Mentors Level I Structural Analysis Engineers.

• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.

• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to customers.

Structural Analysis Engineer III:

• Acts as the Lead Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for very complex projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface. Performs the essential job functions listed above independently while making updates and improvements where needed to analysis methods.

• Acts as Test Director for Mechanical/Structures sub-assemblies and assemblies when necessary.

• Prepares and presents design review and technical interchange material to customers.

• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.

• Mentors Level I-II Structural Analysis Engineers.

• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.

• Supports business development efforts both in preparation of quotes and proposals as well as sales efforts.

• Monitors and reports on customer satisfaction in relation to projects.

Structural Analysis Engineer IV:

• Acts as the Lead Structural Analysis Engineer per procedure for very complex projects as assigned by Manager and/or Technical Lead that affect multiple systems, involve several suppliers/teaming partners, and require frequent customer interface. Performs the essential job functions listed above independently, and guides work of other analysts. Creates updated tools and methods to perform essential job functions more accurately and efficiently.

• Acts as Test Director when necessary.

• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.

• Plans projects and executes to the plan with attention to detail.

• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Mechanical/Structures Engineers.

• Provides interface to other engineering design and development disciplines, ensuring that Mechanical/Structures requirements are addressed and satisfied during overall system integration.

• Manages the engineering team’s effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.

• Reports project status periodically (actual budget/schedule vs. proposed budget/schedule).

• Reports progress in meeting customer requirements periodically.

• Mentors Level I-III Structural Analysis Engineers.

• Participates in design reviews as a technical expert.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

COMPENSATION:

$85,000 - 170,000

#LI-Onsite

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strength engineering experience in the Aerospace or Defense industry is required.

• Proficiency with classical stress analysis techniques and finite element modeling for both loads and strength is required.

• 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.

• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.

• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.

Preferred:

• Experience with Composite Materials modeling and analysis is strongly preferred.

• Experience with structural test design and finite element model correlation is strongly preferred.

• Basic thermal analysis skills using hand calculations, network analysis and/or FEM is strongly preferred.

• Experience with CATIA computer aided design software and model use.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required: Each successive level of Structural Analysis Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Structural Analysis Engineer.

Structural Analysis Engineer I

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).

• Relevant experience and/or coursework preferred.

• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Structural Analysis Engineer II

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).

• 3 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience with Hypermesh/Femap/Patran and Nastran is required. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 1 of the 2 years.

Structural Analysis Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).

• 6 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with Hypermesh/Femap/Patran and Nastran is required. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 2 of the 3 years.

Structural Analysis Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred).

• 11 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years minimum experience with Hypermesh/Femap/Patran and Nastran is required. Experience with ANSYS or Abaqus may be substituted for 3 of the 5 years.

Preferred: Each successive level of Structural Analysis Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) of Structural Analysis Engineer.

Structural Analysis Engineer I

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet program requirements with general supervision.

Structural Analysis Engineer II

• Demonstrated ability to plan and complete structural analysis tasks independently.

Structural Analysis Engineer III

• 3+ years engineering leadership experience in the aerospace industry such as overseeing analysis tasks, reviewing and approving work

Structural Analysis Engineer IV

• 6+ years lead engineering leadership experience in the aerospace industry such as overseeing analysis tasks, reviewing and approving work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office, manufacturing or field environments.

• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.

• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer usage).

• May work extended hours or weekends.

• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.

• May travel to support new business development and customer maintenance.

• 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 REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-10% may be required occasionally.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

Keyword: Perform structural sizing and layout, detailed analysis procedures, loads development, FEM analysis, PATRAN, initial layout and sizing, structural integrity evaluations, aeroelastic evaluations

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