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Project Systems Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Herndon, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/28/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/27/2026
Ready for What’s Next? At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Systems Engineer is involved in the design, development, installation, integration, and testing of Virtual Satellite Ground Systems. The Systems Engineer works with the Project Manager and other engineers to prepare and support systems for users by developing test procedures, executing tests with Satellite Simulators, and deploying systems to customer sites around the world.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Be involved in all phases of the satellite ground system development process including: design documentation, configuration, coding, testing, and related support activities
  • Lead system hardware integration, software installation, or network configuration
  • Develop and adapt test procedures to verify system compliance with customer and manufacturer requirements
  • Conduct acceptance test procedures for customers and/or satellite manufacturers
  • Occasional travel to customer sites across the globe for system installation, testing, and training
  • Perform informal testing and troubleshoot issues with configuration of system hardware, software, networks, operating and system management systems
  • Design and run system load/stress testing
  • Design training materials and conduct user training sessions
  • Analyze technical documentation (e.g. system requirements or interface control documents) from satellite and ground equipment suppliers regarding materials and components to be utilized
  • Discuss systems problems with managers and users to determine their exact nature.
  • Define the goals of the system and the steps necessary to achieve them
  • Prepare system design diagrams and charts to explain the proposed system to managers and users in understandable format
  • Assist with development of system specifications, design diagrams, and charts for programmers to follow in developing software enhancements to support customer requirements
  • Provide customer support for deployed systems
  • Assist with Software Development (for engineers with coding background)
  • Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
  • Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors
  • Ability to interact appropriately directly with customers
  • Ability to adhere to workplace rules
  • Creative mind to troubleshoot, find, and resolve problems
  • Ability to report prototype or product flaws diplomatically and suggest necessary changes in a positive manner
  • Good analytical abilities coupled
  • Excellent written and verbal skills to explain technical information to managers and system users
  • Ability to work independently or as a member of a team
  • Ability to apply sound object-oriented design methodologies
  • Coding experience with C or python

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related technology field
  • Requires 3-7 years of experience in Satellite Monitor & Control, RF Communications, Virtualization of Satellite Ground System or systems engineering
  • Basic understanding of software networks and Microsoft Windows, familiarity with Linux is preferred
  • Experience with Kubernetes, Satellite Operations, Microsoft Office, JIRA and Visio are desired
  • Requires willingness and ability to travel outside the United States for five to seven weeks a year
  • Office environment (hybrid, typically in office 2 days/week)

Competitive salary based on experience and education

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.


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 Project Systems Engineer in Herndon, VA
$106,843 to $124,839
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