What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - AN/SPY-1 Organic Prototyping Capability position at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions?
Job Description
Kratos is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the Navy’s AN/SPY-1 Organic Sustainment Capability Prototype OTA. This role will focus on conceptual and detailed design, structural and thermal analysis, and integration support for radar subsystem prototyping. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams of subsystem SMEs, test engineers, and program managers to ensure mechanical solutions meet Navy requirements and enable long-term sustainment of the AN/SPY-1 radar fleet through 2065.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
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.
Kratos is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the Navy’s AN/SPY-1 Organic Sustainment Capability Prototype OTA. This role will focus on conceptual and detailed design, structural and thermal analysis, and integration support for radar subsystem prototyping. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams of subsystem SMEs, test engineers, and program managers to ensure mechanical solutions meet Navy requirements and enable long-term sustainment of the AN/SPY-1 radar fleet through 2065.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs for SPY-1 radar subsystem components (antenna, transmitter, signal processor).
- Conduct structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental analyses to ensure compliance with Navy/DoD standards.
- Support reverse-engineering of legacy or obsolete components to enable organic sustainment.
- Design fixtures, tooling, and support equipment for prototyping, handling, and testing of radar assemblies.
- Collaborate with systems, electrical, and test engineering teams to integrate mechanical requirements into prototypes.
- Provide technical input during Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings and manage assigned action items.
- Prepare engineering documentation, including drawings, analysis reports, specifications, and configuration-controlled artifacts.
- Support program reviews, milestone events, and Navy design evaluations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of mechanical design and analysis experience in defense, aerospace, or radar systems.
- Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools (SolidWorks, Creo, ANSYS, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated knowledge of MIL-STD-810, ASME standards, and DoD environmental/structural qualification requirements.
- Experience with design for manufacturability and sustainment of complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work in cross-functional teams.
- Active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).
- Prior experience with AN/SPY-1 radar, AEGIS Combat System, or other large phased-array radar programs.
- Background in obsolescence mitigation, depot-level repair, or reverse-engineering efforts.
- Familiarity with NSWC Crane test environments or Navy sustainment facilities.
- Experience in DoD acquisition programs, including DoDI 5000.88 engineering processes.
- Travel: Up to 10% (support to NSWC Crane, industry teammates, and review events).
- Period of Performance: Immediate start aligned to Phase 1 of the OTA, with continuation opportunities in Phase 2 prototyping.
- Reporting: Reports to the Indiana Site Director with matrixed support to the SPY-1 Program IPT.
- 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.