What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hardware Test and Automation Engineer position at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions?
Job Description
Readiness Delivered. Kratos is a leader in assured aerospace communication solutions and services. We are cutting-edge innovators and creative problem solvers working collaboratively to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Our culture is fast-paced and innovative. We are a trusted partner—driven by doing the right thing and achieving maximum success for our customers, our partners and ourselves. Kratos has an exciting opportunity in Colorado Springs for a Hardware Test and Automation Engineer who will own the full test lifecycle for our custom 5G NTN UE solutions, from strategy definition through execution and long-term maintenance.
Responsibilities include interpreting 5G NTN standards and customer-specific requirements and translating them into detailed, traceable test plans. Specifying the RF test equipment needed to support those plans. Developing the software automation that drives that equipment against the device under test. Executing tests, capturing data, and validating results against both customer requirements and 5G standards. And finally, documenting and reporting results, failures, and risks to engineering and program stakeholders. The engineer will also maintain and improve the test suite as requirements evolve, investigate and characterize failures, and drive continuous improvement of test processes, tooling, and coverage. This role is central to ensuring our products meet technical, customer, and quality expectations through disciplined test development and thorough issue reporting.
Experience And Skills
Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000
Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.
This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Job Benefits
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.
Readiness Delivered. Kratos is a leader in assured aerospace communication solutions and services. We are cutting-edge innovators and creative problem solvers working collaboratively to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Our culture is fast-paced and innovative. We are a trusted partner—driven by doing the right thing and achieving maximum success for our customers, our partners and ourselves. Kratos has an exciting opportunity in Colorado Springs for a Hardware Test and Automation Engineer who will own the full test lifecycle for our custom 5G NTN UE solutions, from strategy definition through execution and long-term maintenance.
Responsibilities include interpreting 5G NTN standards and customer-specific requirements and translating them into detailed, traceable test plans. Specifying the RF test equipment needed to support those plans. Developing the software automation that drives that equipment against the device under test. Executing tests, capturing data, and validating results against both customer requirements and 5G standards. And finally, documenting and reporting results, failures, and risks to engineering and program stakeholders. The engineer will also maintain and improve the test suite as requirements evolve, investigate and characterize failures, and drive continuous improvement of test processes, tooling, and coverage. This role is central to ensuring our products meet technical, customer, and quality expectations through disciplined test development and thorough issue reporting.
Experience And Skills
- 7 years of Test Engineering experience
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
- Ability to interpret and breakdown hardware specifications into a test plan
- Familiarity with best practices for automation of Keysight and/or Rhode & Schwarz RF test equipment
- Proficiency with SCPI command sets and Python 3 for test automation, scripting and equipment control
- Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers and related lab instrumentation
- Ability to architect test setups and automate test sequences to characterizer RF hardware performance
- Strong technical documentation skills, including test plans, test procedures, test reports, and issue tracking
- Ability to work cross-functionally with hardware, software, systems, and program teams
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in lab environments
- Experience performing cellular hardware testing (LTE or 5G technologies)
- Rhode & Swarz CMX500 experience
- Familiarity with 3GPP specifications and cellular conformance or performance test methodologies
- Experience with custom hardware platforms that combine RF, digital, and embedded software components
- Experience with lab bring-up, calibration methods, and measurement uncertainty considerations
Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000
Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.
This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
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 : $120,000 - $150,000