SATCOM Mechanical Engineering & Design Manager

Position Overview

Readiness Delivered. Kratos engineers and deploys technology and systems that move national security forward, with the cost, speed, and reliability that make readiness certain. 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 for a Mechanical Engineering and Design Manager. This professional manages the resources for mechanical engineering and design by assigning mechanical engineers and designers to product development and project requirements. The position is responsible for product performance and technical excellence of the mechanical design along with all technical product documentation. It combines hands-on management of design activities with personnel management, including annual employee reviews, budgeting for mechanical design and drafting tools, and supporting business development efforts while reporting to the VP of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibilities: Provide technical oversight and guidance to designers and engineers by reviewing tooling, product design methodologies, drawings, and design review packages (PDR, CDR, MRR) to ensure operational success. Coordinate with other functional groups throughout the design and manufacturing process.
• Responsibilities: Monitor performance through the management and escalation of design issues—technical, schedule, and financial. Communicate the status of design efforts, highlight conflicts, and recommend solutions. Lead or support technical reviews and manage product design activities in collaboration with program management and functional leaders.
• Responsibilities: Develop and implement design strategies aligned with company goals, including product roadmaps, technical specifications, and methodologies. Collaborate with Product Line and Business Development to generate proposal estimates for non-recurring engineering (NRE) and product costs.
• Responsibilities: Standardize and improve design processes by developing standard practices, methods, and using design software and analytical tools. Lead continuous improvement initiatives and implement lessons learned and best practices.
• Responsibilities: Manage change and sustain engineering by overseeing the change process, approving or rejecting requests, and ensuring timely completion. Support mechanical product lifecycle issues, including supplier evaluations and obsolescence planning.
• Responsibilities: Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and designers by assigning tasks, providing mentorship, conducting 1:1s and performance reviews, managing hiring, and allocating resources.
• Responsibilities: Support the Product Engineering organization through behaviors such as Customer Focus, Decision Quality, Optimize Work Processes, Ensures Accountability, Builds Effective Teams, Drives Engagement, Demonstrates Self-Awareness, and Instills Trust.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering experience.
• Education: BS or Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and associated PLM software (e.g., Solidworks) along with analysis tools (ANSYS Mech).
• Must have a good understanding of SATCOM principles.
• Strong proficiency in drawing generation with the ability to apply and review GD&T, coupled with thorough knowledge of mechanical design and documentation requirements.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection for satellite communication applications.
• Broad knowledge of engineering practices including manufacturing, cost and schedule execution, scope management, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques.
• Ability to use Microsoft Project and Office products effectively.
• Excellent communication, reasoning abilities, and sound judgment.
• Experience with project management methodologies and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in mechanical design and development within the aerospace industry, preferably with satellite communication systems.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: Competitive salary based on experience and education