Demo

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Birmingham, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 6/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/1/2026
Job Description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

This position works as part of a team within the Nondestructive Solutions Development department responsible for executing nondestructive engineering solutions for a wide variety of programs. The associate engineer will support the department in performing hardware design, system customization, developing new test equipment, and executing ongoing product improvement. The position will require overseeing nondestructive testing; reducing and analyzing test data; writing and communicating results; effectively presenting conclusions, and making recommendations to the customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Collaborate and support a multi-disciplinary team (mechanical, electrical, software engineering) to efficiently execute solutions to meet customer requirements.
  • Apply engineering concepts, theories, and practices in creative and innovative ways.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external customers, verbal and written.
  • Reduce test data and extract relevant information to customers.
  • Prepare presentations, proposals, reports and specifications.
  • Support team to understand customer technical needs.

Other Job Functions

  • Participate in conceptual design test and technical evaluation of designs.
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately nondestructive concepts to associates with varying levels of technical understanding (novice, experienced, advanced).
  • Support marketing and project development activities.
  • Perform other duties as required by supervisor.
  • Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Experience And Skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Problem Solving - Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues, review facts and weigh options.
  • Quality – Able to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines; establish high standards and measures; do work right the first time and inspect material for flaws; test new methods thoroughly; reinforce excellence as a fundamental priority.
  • Planning – Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks.
  • Communication – Able to clearly present information through the spoken and written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
  • Integrity – Able to maintain confidences and foster an ethical work environment; give proper credit to others; handle all situations honestly.
  • Attention to Detail – Ensure accuracy in documentation and data; concentrate on details; organize and maintain a system of records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET.
  • BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Three to five years of experience in nondestructive evaluation of materials.
  • Strong aptitude in logic and math in addition to having the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a dynamic, highly technical environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • MS degree in Engineering or related field.
  • Experience in programming (Python, MATLAB, LabView or other).
  • Experience in nondestructive evaluation of materials.

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)
  • Shoe covers

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.
  • Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.

Travel

Moderate travel, domestic and international, required.

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

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Associate Mechanical Engineer in Birmingham, AL
$71,246 to $83,707
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 Associate Mechanical Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Associate Mechanical Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$74,551 - $88,300
Income Estimation: 
$85,954 - $106,408
Income Estimation: 
$91,017 - $111,627
Income Estimation: 
$79,311 - $112,035
Income Estimation: 
$103,503 - $129,573
Income Estimation: 
$93,066 - $107,206
Income Estimation: 
$97,332 - $126,185
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
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 Security Solutions

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Birmingham, AL
  • Job Description The Facility Security Officer (FSO) is responsible for administering and overseeing the organization’s security program in compliance with ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Colorado, CO
  • Job Description Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our custome... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Colorado, CO
  • Job Description Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our custome... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Arvada, CO
  • Job Type Full-time Description ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position supports the development and documentation of engineered low- and medium-voltage pow... more
  • 2 Days Ago


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

  • STERIS Birmingham, AL
  • At STERIS, we help our Customers create a healthier and safer world by providing innovative healthcare and life science product and service solutions aroun... more
  • 30 Days Ago

  • Actalent Guntersville, AL
  • Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description We are seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineer to support design work for aircraft upgrades. This role offer... more
  • 10 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!