Demo

Mechanics/Materials Engineer

Kratos Defense and Careers
Birmingham, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 1/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/4/2026
Job Description:


This position works as part of a team within the Thermo-Structural Systems Department, which specializes in characterizations of aerospace materials from ambient conditions to more than 5000 °F. The work entails working with senior engineers to plan characterization projects, design and build test hardware, oversee testing, analyze the data, and present the results to customers. Materials include high-temperature composites, ceramics, and metals. An interest in mechanics of materials, a natural curiosity, and a solid work ethic are highly valued. Experience in testing and proficiency with engineering software tools are desired.

Key skills are attention to detail, quality orientation, effective time management, and creative problem solving. This position is responsible for applying scientific concepts, theories, and research practices in creative and innovative ways. Prepares, presents, and follows up on research proposals of limited to moderate size, scope, or duration; and working under general supervision where work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment and consistency with organizational goals and strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Generates research in business and technical areas, producing yearly revenues of a set value or providing support for a set number of staff.
  • Managing research projects of moderate size from initiation through machining, testing, data analysis, and reporting.
  • Prepare, present, and follow-up on research proposals of limited to moderate size, scope, or duration.
  • Responsible for leading and managing projects or project tasks of limited to moderate size, scope, or duration.
  • Develop or direct the development of research findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.
  • Recommend changes in procedures and devise new approaches to deal with problems encountered.

Other Job Functions

  • Review progress and evaluate results on research projects.
  • Prepare and present reports to clients and the professional community.
  • Meet research goals within time and cost constraints.
  • Lead marketing and project development activities in defined market areas.
  • Interact with research scientists and associates in multiple areas of the organization.
  • Participate in the technical evaluation of assigned staff and in the identification of their development needs.
  • Performs other duties and assist other employees, as assigned.

Experience and Skills:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications

  • US Citizenship required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET.
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications 2 or more years of experience in material characterization and aerospace materials research.

(No Phone Calls Please)

#LI-JC1
#LI-Onsite
Job 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

  • 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


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.

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.



From: Kratos Defense

Salary.com Estimation for Mechanics/Materials Engineer in Birmingham, AL
$78,140 to $98,822
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Mechanics/Materials Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Mechanics/Materials Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$88,239 - $107,750
Income Estimation: 
$92,981 - $138,294
Income Estimation: 
$108,127 - $132,532
Income Estimation: 
$110,528 - $145,291
Income Estimation: 
$82,813 - $108,410
Income Estimation: 
$120,989 - $162,093
Income Estimation: 
$74,806 - $91,633
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$145,337 - $174,569
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Kratos Defense and Careers

  • Kratos Defense and Careers Colorado, CO
  • Job Description: Kratos Space, Training, and Cyber has an exciting opportunity for a Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our Internal Recruiting Team. In... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Careers Lanham, MD
  • Job Description: Readiness Delivered. Kratos is a leader in assured aerospace communication solutions and services. We are cutting-edge innovators and crea... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Careers Dallastown, PA
  • Job Description: Shift: First Shift GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The test technician will perform final testing of shelters in areas such as water-tightness, elect... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Careers Orlando, FL
  • Job Description: Ready for What's Next? At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our cust... more
  • 6 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Mechanics/Materials Engineer jobs in the Birmingham, AL area that may be a better fit.

  • Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc Birmingham, AL
  • This position works as part of a team within the Thermo-Structural Systems Department, which specializes in characterizations of aerospace materials from a... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Birmingham, AL
  • Job Description This position works as part of a team within the Thermo-Structural Systems Department, which specializes in characterizations of aerospace ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!