Mechanical Engineer I

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

This position works as part of a team supporting several aerothermal / hypersonic material evaluation programs within the Department of Defense and NASA. Candidates with interest and expertise in the areas of heat transfer, composite analysis, or experimental design are encouraged to apply. The candidate must be proficient in MATLAB and exhibit strong initiative and independence with demonstrated competency executing projects. Planning, prioritizing, and goal setting are key skills necessary for this position. Experience with finite element or multi-physics modeling is a plus. An active DoD SECRET security clearance in place is a plus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reduce and analyze thermal test data in MATLAB, arriving at interpretations of material behavior relative to historical databases.
• Develop and perform thermal tests of composite materials to assess performance and constitutive behavior.
• Perform thermal finite element analysis of multi-material systems with coupled physics using both industry-standard solutions (COMSOL, Abaqus) and legacy packages.
• Coordinate all results with team members.
• Lead technical report composition.
• Support off-site test execution.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of engineering discipline through familiarity with current engineering literature and state of technology in the field.
• Support technical proposal composition.
  
  

Other Job Functions

• Collaborate with team engineers on complex projects.
• Manage personal schedule and prioritize work effectively.
• Independently identifies problems and applies sound engineering judgement to arrive at solutions.
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations.
• Communicates results with concise, clear reporting.
• Independently evaluates, selects, interprets, and applies standard engineering techniques, processes, and criteria, and uses judgment in making adaptations and modifications to research projects.
• Must demonstrate an ability to learn quickly in a complex, high technology environment.
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering
• High proficiency in MATLAB
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing DOD SECRET clearance
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks/PDM
• Familiarity with COMSOL
• Experience/coursework in heat transfer
• Familiarity with LabVIEW and/or data acquisition systems
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system(s), ensures accuracy of reports through peer reviews.
• Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives.
• Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to the organization’s intellectual capital.
• Communicates with Impact - Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience. Ideas are clearly defined in grammatically correct written communication.
  
  

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment & Conditions

This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and could require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
• Protective shoes
  
  

Physical Demands

In performing the work for this position, the engineer must be able to:

• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.
• Walk for reasonable distances in performing the work.
• Occasionally lift / carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.
• Occasionally pull or push objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.

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.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
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.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice
For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.



Location: Birmingham, AL, US

Posted Date: 11/30/2023