Job Descriptions:
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Chief Engineer provides technical vision for the assigned platform/product line across all projects under the platform/product line umbrella. For the platform/product line: facilitates communication and synergy across the multiple projects through the development and maintenance of the platform/product line technical road map; technical lead for proposals efforts through ownership of technical volume and technical basis of estimates; overall accountability for technical product lifecycle direction to meet strategic business objectives.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Overarching technical lead on unmanned aircraft systems under the assigned platform/product line
For project(s)/contract(s) without Lead or Sr. Project Engineer assignments under the assign product line, performs the Lead Sr. Project Engineer roles
Supports business development and program management as the lead technical contact for proposal efforts relating to the platform/product line
Creates and maintains the technical road map for the platform/product line. This roadmap details the technical vision for the platform/product line.
Ensures project design implementation efforts under the platform/product line umbrella are staying within the vision for the platform/product line.
Facilitates communication with project engineers on the technical vision.
Communicates vision with upper management to ensure within the company vision
Supports program management and project engineers with development of program planning strategies, technical cost estimates, evaluations of alternatives, risk management, logistics management, cost-performance trade-offs, preparation of data, status updates and presentations at customer reviews.
Directs and works with project engineer(s) to develop solutions to customer requirements and facilitates resolutions where platform/product line conflicts arise.
For the assigned platform/product line and derivatives, is the overriding design authority for the product including all new development and product enhancements.
Responsible for facilitating the integration of multi-program/project requirements without compromising the integrity of the product line and ideally optimizing both the design/manufacturing configuration and the cost.
Assists with setting priorities across the platform/product line. Ensures roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and coordinated with project engineer(s).
Provides support to Project Engineer(s) as necessary, to include, but not limited to project planning, estimating, execution of project tasks and management of the engineering team of integrated product team (IPT).
Assists the functional managers with developing and implementing improved procedures and standards to ensure that output is high quality, accurate, on -time, and within budget; which includes establishing metrics (key performance indicators) for the engineering projects and accountabilities for achieving results.
Provides direction and leadership on technical and technology issues and collaborates with Chief Technical Officer, Vice President of Engineering, Technical Director, and/or Engineering Operations Manager, as appropriate from cross-product line issues and lessons learned.
Defines and manages risks of technical approaches in terms of resources/tools and personnel needs across the platform/product line.
Enforces the execution of company engineering design processes.
Lead failure analysis and root cause investigation using corrective action tools and techniques needed to effectively solve problems.
Fosters ethical conduct and personal integrity throughout Engineering to ensure the company's ability to attract and retain customers in highly competitive environments.
Assists the project engineer(s) with customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
Reports progress across the platform/product line in meeting external/internal customer requirements, goals, and expectations as it relates to the technical roadmap
Provide mentorship to engineer(s)
Assist in accomplishing human resource strategies by communicating and enforcing values, policies, and procedures; mentoring engineer(s), providing input into the appraisal of employees, and reviewing/recognizing job contributions.
Other Job Functions
Other duties may be assigned
Facilitates implementation of the technical objectives of the company's platform/product line design strategy working closely with the Sr. Project Engineers to ensure the design approach and solutions are aligned with the product line vision
May be assigned to lead complex, multi-system, multi-discipline engineering projects outside of the assigned platform/product line.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
No direct reports
Achieves results through leading and mentoring Senior Project Engineers and/or Project Engineers in a matrixed environment
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Excellent engineering and/or project management experience
Strong technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and related support systems
Knowledge of military operations
Excellent communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers and engineering team members
Proficiency with MS Office products, including MS Project for Integrated Master Schedule development and review
Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO, EVMS and Export regulations
Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures
Strong understanding and experience with engineering fundamentals.
Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government.
Strong technical writing skills to communicate internally or externally
Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction
Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors
Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary
Ability to adhere to workplace rules
Ability to estimate manpower requirements to meet project objectives or support proposal efforts
Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties
Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel
Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment
Additional Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Engineering management experience in the aerospace or aviation industry
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet department and company goals and requirements for assigned product line.
Knowledge of company's operations and procedures preferred.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in an applicable engineering, technical, or science discipline..
Minimum 12 years relevant technical experience with Engineering, Systems, Integration, Test, Software, and/or Engineering Project Leadership, preferably within the aerospace or aviation industries, or minimum 8 years with Master's degree.
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Office, field and/or manufacturing environment
May work extended hours or weekends to to complete tasks and meet schedule
Ability to travel domestically/internationally
May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones)
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
Keyword: Chief Engineer
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 (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf)
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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.
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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.
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From: Kratos Defense
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