Facility/Instrumentation Engineer

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

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• Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system(s), ensures accuracy of reports through peer reviews rn
• Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives rn
• Technical Expertise - Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to the organization's intellectual capital. rn
• Communicates with Impact - Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience. Ideas are clearly defined in grammatically correct written communication. rn

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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Minimum Qualifications (E2)

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• US Citizenship rn
• Active US Driver's License rn
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET rn
• Bachelor''s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline with a minimum of two years of relevant experience; OR a Master''s degree in a relevant discipline with demonstrated research experience in experimental aerothermodynamics, high-enthalpy facilities, or optical/laser diagnostics rn
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python and LabView rn
• Laboratory or equivalent experimental experience, including hands-on work with instrumentation, data acquisition, or facility hardware rn
• Coursework or experience in gas dynamics, compressible flow, or aerothermodynamics rn

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Preferred Qualifications

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• Existing DOD SECRET clearance rn
• Master''s or doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, with a thesis or dissertation involving experimental research in high-enthalpy flows, arc jet facilities, or optical/laser diagnostics rn
• Demonstrated experience in the development, commissioning, or operation of aerothermal or high-enthalpy test facilities rn
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following diagnostic techniques: emission spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy (e.g., TDLAS, wavelength modulation spectroscopy), laser-induced fluorescence (e.g., PLIF), schlieren/shadowgraph imaging, high-speed imaging, or infrared thermography rn
• Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral imaging in high-temperature or reacting flow environments rn
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing, including peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, or government proposal preparation rn
• Knowledge of flow control systems, vacuum systems, and/or high-power electrical systems rn
• Familiarity with computer-aided design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo) rn

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WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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Work Environment & Conditions

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This position involves work in an office and laboratory environment and could require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

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• Safety glasses rn
• Hearing protection (varies based on tasks) rn
• Protective shoes rn

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Physical Demands

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In performing the work for this position, the engineer must be able to:

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• Perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time. rn
• Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. rn
• Stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. rn
• Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work. rn
• Walk for reasonable distances in performing the work. rn
• Occasionally lift / carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work. rn
• Occasionally pull or push objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work. rn

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TRAVEL:

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Moderate (~25%) domestic travel may be required to support off-site test execution, facility visits, conferences, or coordinate with government sponsors

","jobbenefit":"

• 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

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GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

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This is a full-time position that spans two complementary technical areas within the Hypersonics department at Kratos SRE. Approximately half of the candidate''s effort (~20 hours per week) will be devoted to supporting the design, development, and commissioning of a new arc jet test facility (Project Helios), working alongside the facility Project Manager and Engineering Lead on facility design, planning, and qualification. The remaining effort (~20 hours per week) will support the department''s growing flow diagnostics team, with responsibilities including technical proposal development, and applied research in laser-based diagnostics for high-enthalpy flows and multispectral imaging for test facilities or ranges.

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Candidates with interest and expertise in the development of aerothermal screening facilities (arc jets, ICPs, microwave torches), convective heat transfer, aerothermodynamics, or optical/laser-based flow diagnostics should apply. The candidate must exhibit strong research initiative and independence with demonstrated competency executing technical projects. An active DoD SECRET security clearance is a plus. An active US Driver's License is required.

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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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• Support the systems engineering, design, and commissioning of a new arc jet facility, including arc heater integration, nozzle design, test section layout, and vacuum/exhaust systems rn
• Develop instrumentation and control strategies for high-enthalpy aerothermal facilities, including data acquisition system architecture and facility control software rn
• Contribute to facility planning activities, such as interface documentation, schedule coordination, and risk identification, in collaboration with the Helios Project Manager and Engineering Lead rn
• Support the characterization and qualification of facility performance through intrusive and non-intrusive measurement techniques (e.g., contact calorimetry for heat flux and pressure, laser diagnostics) rn
• Plan and coordinate material testing in both internal and external high-enthalpy convective facilities rn
• Design, implement, and field optical and laser-based diagnostic techniques for high-enthalpy and reacting flow environments - examples would include optical emission spectroscopy (OES), tunable-diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), and/or schlieren imaging rn
• Develop and apply multispectral and high-speed imaging techniques for ground test facilities and range applications, including infrared thermography and species-specific emission imaging rn
• Lead or substantially contribute to the composition of technical proposals targeting DoD, NASA, and commercial research opportunities in flow diagnostics, aerothermodynamics, and aerothermal testing rn
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations; lead technical report composition in area of expertise rn
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of the engineering discipline through familiarity with current literature and state of technology in the field rn

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Other Job Functions

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• Collaborate with team engineers on complex projects rn
• Manage personal schedule and prioritize work effectively rn
• Independently identifies problems and applies sound engineering judgement to arrive at solutions rn
• Compile and analyze research results, arriving at interpretations rn
• Communicate results with concise, clear reporting rn
• Independently evaluates, selects, interprets, and applies standard engineering techniques, processes, and criteria, and uses judgment in making adaptations and modifications to research projects. rn
• Must demonstrate an ability to learn quickly in a complex, high technology environment rn
• Perform other duties and assist other employees, as assigned rn

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

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This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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