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System Design/Architect Engineer Optical Ground SME

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Colorado, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 1/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/1/2026
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 is seeking a highly motivated candidate who can provide SME engineering technical support for Optical Ground Terminals and traditional radio frequency (RF) ground stations. This engineer should be able to provide and support the specific design elements for what and how the telescope signals are received, how the beacon locks onto the satellite, and the (PAT) Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking maintain alignment. This position is full-time and requires the ability to successfully work in a team environment. The successful candidate must be able to develop and model requirements, create system design models and documentation, utilize, and maintain existing analytical models, and develop new models. Excellent communications and interpersonal relationship skills are required. Will be working closely with system developers, test, and support personnel.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Optical Ground terminal SME
  • Support SysML modeling as needed
  • Analyzing customer/stakeholder requirements, decomposing requirements, deriving requirements, and allocating requirements to system and subsystem elements
  • Develop documentation on all components of the terminal (Telescope, PAT, AO, Optical benches, and supporting computer systems required
  • Support the development of training material
  • Working in adherence to structured and defined development processes

Experience And Skills

  • 5 years engineering
  • BS in SE, CS, EE, ME, or other engineering equivalent
  • Familiarity with modern IT infrastructure capabilities to include virtualization, cloud deployment and containerization
  • Extensive knowledge of Optical ground stations
  • Working knowledge of space systems, including satellite ground systems
  • Experience with military space operations
  • Sense of ownership, urgency, and drive to accomplish results
  • Current Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI

Preferred Skills And Experience

Experience with the following:

  • Demonstrated knowledge with Optical systems
  • Experience working within the Defense and/or Aerospace industry
  • Experience in ground systems, system engineering, or software is a plus
  • Experience developing system level models, requirements, and architecture in conjunction with discipline engineering teams
  • Sharp analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and capable of working effectively in a dynamic environment
  • Familiarity with aerospace design and verification processes to include requirements development, validation and verification for conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education

Salary Range: $115,000-$145,000

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 : $115,000 - $145,000

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