Mechanical Engineering 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, 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 and all related technical product documentation. It combines hands-on design management with personnel oversight to ensure all work products meet requirements for quality, technical standards, schedule, and cost in accordance with established engineering practices. The role also includes conducting annual employee reviews, managing approved budgets for mechanical design and drafting tools, and supporting Business Development while reporting to the VP of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight – guide designers and engineers, review tooling and product design methodologies, drawings, and design review packages (PDR, CDR, MRR) to ensure operational success, and coordinate with other functional groups throughout the design and manufacturing process.
• Monitor performance – manage and escalate design issues (technical, schedule, and financial), communicate status, highlight conflicts, recommend solutions, and lead or support technical design reviews.
• Design Strategy Development – establish and implement design strategies aligned with company goals, develop product roadmaps, technical specifications, and design methodologies, and work with Product Line and Business Development for proposal estimates related to design labor, tooling costs, and product costs.
• Standardize and improve design processes – develop and enforce standard practices, methods, design software usage, and analytical tools; implement lessons learned and continuous improvement plans; and lead initiatives to enhance design technology and capacity.
• Change Management and Sustaining Engineering – oversee the change process, approve or reject requests, manage priorities for timely completion, and support mechanical product lifecycle issues including supplier evaluations and obsolescence planning.
• Team leadership – manage a team of mechanical engineers and designers by assigning tasks, providing mentorship, evaluating performance, overseeing hiring and training processes, and conducting one-on-one reviews to ensure effective development plans for direct reports.
• Supports the Product Engineering organization through behaviors such as Customer Focus, Decision Quality, Optimizing Work Processes, Ensuring Accountability, Building Effective Teams, Driving Engagement, Demonstrating Self-Awareness, and Instilling Trust.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Required: 10+ years engineering
• Education: BS or Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and associated PLM software (e.g., Solidworks) and 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; comprehensive knowledge of mechanical design and documentation requirements
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material selection for satellite communication applications
• A broad understanding of engineering, manufacturing, cost and schedule execution, scope management, and risk management
• Demonstrated experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing
• Ability to work with Microsoft Project and Office Products
• Good communication skills, sound reasoning abilities, and solid judgment
• Experience with project management methodologies and the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
• 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