Guidance Navigation and Control Software Engineer I

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:

Come be part of a team working on the latest advancements in unmanned aircraft. Get to work on groundbreaking designs that will be the future of tactical aviation. Perform a diverse array of engineering tasks related to the aerodynamic design, analysis, simulation, and test of unmanned aerial vehicles. Help develop the control laws and flight control systems for our next generations of unmanned tactical air systems and target drones. Work in a fast-paced environment that rapidly develops and deploys state of the art unmanned aircraft to a diverse array of customers and applications. Be a part of the future of unmanned aviation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineers. Each successive level of Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer builds on job functions listed for the previous level(s) of Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer.

• Aircraft dynamics, subsystem modeling and simulation
• Control system gain and filter design and stability margin evaluation.
• Evaluation of flight dynamics, flying qualities, and aircraft flight path performance.
• Perform non-linear control system robustness testing.
• Design and implement operator interfaces, autonomous logic algorithms, waypoint following, and path generation algorithms.
• Guidance algorithm development, analysis and test.
• Navigation system design, analysis, and test.
• Derive subsystem requirements and specifications.
• Support subsystem testing and verification.
• Flight test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Support aircraft design at all phases of development.
• Wind tunnel test planning support.
• Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities.
• Analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e. drawings, specifications, test procedures, technical reports, etc.).
• Prepare and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Support customer training activities.
• Foreign and domestic travel to support flight test activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer I

• Performs simple engineering tasks as assigned by their manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Understanding of basic aircraft dynamic modes.
• Understanding of flight control logic and automation.
• Ability to create a runtime environment for autonomous functions.
• Knowledge of basic software development process.
• Demonstrated focus on customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• 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.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• MATLAB and Simulink experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with C/C++ and Java software is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Understanding of autopilot flight control design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with software configuration management systems is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer builds on the identified education and experience qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer. May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer I

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering preferred).
• Relevant experience and/or coursework preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key phones).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 10-25% May be required to support flight test activities, new business development, and customer maintenance occasionally.