Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Director of Hardware Engineering
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, us, 32549
Director of Hardware Engineering – Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed 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, leveraging proven, cutting‑edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.
General Job Summary The Director of Hardware Engineering for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies leads cross‑functional teams to develop and manage leading‑edge solutions for reliable electronic systems for unmanned ground and airborne platforms. This position encompasses managing all phases of engineering development, from concept through completion, while ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
Essential Job Functions
Lead the technical team in researching, designing, developing, and testing electronic control systems, including electrical and mechanical designs
Collaborate with Hardware, Software, and Mechanical design teams
Oversee the detailed design and implementation of test control apparatuses and equipment
Provide regular status updates to internal leadership
Address and resolve customer‑facing technical or program‑related issues as needed
Review programs to ensure electrical and mechanical subsystem integrity for functionality and manufacturability
Ensure all projects are completed on schedule and within budget constraints
Offer technical support across various company departments
Travel as required to support new and existing customers
This is an onsite position
Additional Job Functions
Mentor and train new engineers and leaders
Support the technical bid and proposal processes
Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility Lead technical project teams and support staff, including:
Hardware Engineers
RF Engineers
Engineering Assistance
Mechanical and PWB designers
Configuration Control team
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of digital, FPGA, analog, and RF design principles and practices
FPGA development experience, Xilinx toolset preferred
EMI and ENV testing experience
Embedded Processor design experience
Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with peers, supervisors, and customers
Ability to lead a technical design team in a fast‑paced environment
Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills
Proficiency in developing clear drawings, instructions, and procedures
Advanced presentation and customer interaction skills
Preferred Education and Experience
BS degree in EE, Physics, Math or related technical field
Minimum 10 years of hardware development experience, 5 years leading hardware development teams
Proven depth and experience diagnosing and providing technical solutions for complex problems
Highly proficient with productivity tools (MS Excel, Word, Project, CASE tools, etc)
Experience in coordinating and developing hardware in accordance with DoD Standards
Experience in project planning
Experience with formal analysis and design methodologies
Experience with embedded systems
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Office environment
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phone, 10‑key)
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
May be required to travel, foreign and domestic
EEO Statement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affiliated Employer. EEO, Minorities, Females, Veterans, 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.
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Holidays
Education Reimbursement
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General Job Summary The Director of Hardware Engineering for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies leads cross‑functional teams to develop and manage leading‑edge solutions for reliable electronic systems for unmanned ground and airborne platforms. This position encompasses managing all phases of engineering development, from concept through completion, while ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
Essential Job Functions
Lead the technical team in researching, designing, developing, and testing electronic control systems, including electrical and mechanical designs
Collaborate with Hardware, Software, and Mechanical design teams
Oversee the detailed design and implementation of test control apparatuses and equipment
Provide regular status updates to internal leadership
Address and resolve customer‑facing technical or program‑related issues as needed
Review programs to ensure electrical and mechanical subsystem integrity for functionality and manufacturability
Ensure all projects are completed on schedule and within budget constraints
Offer technical support across various company departments
Travel as required to support new and existing customers
This is an onsite position
Additional Job Functions
Mentor and train new engineers and leaders
Support the technical bid and proposal processes
Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility Lead technical project teams and support staff, including:
Hardware Engineers
RF Engineers
Engineering Assistance
Mechanical and PWB designers
Configuration Control team
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of digital, FPGA, analog, and RF design principles and practices
FPGA development experience, Xilinx toolset preferred
EMI and ENV testing experience
Embedded Processor design experience
Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with peers, supervisors, and customers
Ability to lead a technical design team in a fast‑paced environment
Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills
Proficiency in developing clear drawings, instructions, and procedures
Advanced presentation and customer interaction skills
Preferred Education and Experience
BS degree in EE, Physics, Math or related technical field
Minimum 10 years of hardware development experience, 5 years leading hardware development teams
Proven depth and experience diagnosing and providing technical solutions for complex problems
Highly proficient with productivity tools (MS Excel, Word, Project, CASE tools, etc)
Experience in coordinating and developing hardware in accordance with DoD Standards
Experience in project planning
Experience with formal analysis and design methodologies
Experience with embedded systems
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Office environment
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phone, 10‑key)
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
May be required to travel, foreign and domestic
EEO Statement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affiliated Employer. EEO, Minorities, Females, Veterans, 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.
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Holidays
Education Reimbursement
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