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Sub-Orbital ST Lead Engineer (Crane IN, Princess Anne MD, or Huntsville AL)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Wallops Island, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/26/2026
Job Description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Sub-orbital ST Lead Engineer will be responsible for managing various sub-orbital launch missions primarily on sounding rockets. They will provide oversight and facilitate the integration of multiple experiments onto launch vehicles. They will manage the entire lifecycle of design, development, integration, test, and launch.

LOCATION: Potentially Hybrid role based out of:

  • Crane, IN
  • Princess Anne, MD
  • Wallops Island, VA
  • Huntsville, AL

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Work with experiment teams, integrators, and launch vehicle providers to ensure all requirements are met throughout the entirety of a suborbital hypersonic mission.
  • Facilitate recurring technical exchanges between vehicle providers and experimenters to ensure communication and data exchange during the mission lifecycle (Requirements Gathering, Mission Planning, Design, Fabrication, Testing, and Launch Operations)
  • Maintain communication and coordination with other Prime Contractor functional leads to meet requirements of schedule, systems engineering, testing, mission planning, and execution.
  • Ensure missions are conducted in accordance with applicable safety requirements and standards.
  • Create Statements of work and task orders for Launch Vehicle Providers.
  • Maintain schedule adherence with subcontractors via action trackers and giver/receiver lists.
  • Report mission status to customer and Prime leadership on a recurring basis.
  • Identify issues early to create and execute mitigation plans.

Other Job Functions

  • Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

No

Experience And Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Adept problem solver and possess critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple complex projects concurrently.
  • Must be self-motivated and goal oriented
  • Must possess excellent verbal & written communication skills for use at all levels of the organization such as employees, management and internal / external sponsors
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Must currently have and/or be capable of obtaining a security clearance
  • Must have valid driver's license/vehicle insurance sufficient to access military facilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Engineering.
  • 8 years of experience in mission planning/mission management/mission execution related to test and evaluation of sub-orbital launch vehicles.

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Office environment
  • Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones)
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

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 Sub-Orbital ST Lead Engineer (Crane IN, Princess Anne MD, or Huntsville AL) in Wallops Island, VA
$104,649 to $127,383
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