Job Specifications
Job Description
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Engineering Intern supports propulsion system development, analysis, testing, and production readiness activities across Design Engineering, Performance Engineering, and Product Engineering. This internship is structured as a 3–6 month rotation in one functional area or a blended rotation across multiple disciplines, depending on business needs and candidate strengths.
The role provides hands-on exposure to the full engine lifecycle from requirements definition and CAD modeling through performance validation, configuration management, BOM integrity, and customer delivery readiness. The intern will contribute to real engineering deliverables, operating within established processes including change control, configuration management, and production support workflows.
This is a structured, mentor-supported development role designed to build technical competency, engineering rigor, and practical application of aerospace/propulsion engineering principles.
ROTATIONAL STRUCTURE (3–6 Months Per Assignment)
The intern may rotate through one, two, or all three of the following functional areas:
Design Engineering Rotation
Mentor: Design Engineering Lead
Primary Learning Objectives:
Understand the design lifecycle from requirements flow-down to released hardware
Apply CAD modeling standards and drawing best practices
Learn change control processes (ECR/ECO/ECN)
Understand configuration traceability and revision management
Example Responsibilities:
Support CAD model updates and drawing revisions
Assist with design analysis (tolerance stack-up, structural review, fit/function checks)
Provide ECO documentation support and change justification inputs
Participate in design reviews and document action items
Key Deliverables:
Updated drawings and 3D models (1M)
ECO inputs and change documentation (1M)
Design review summary presentation (Final Project)
Performance Engineering Rotation
Mentor: Senior Performance Engineering Lead
Primary Learning Objectives:
Learn propulsion system performance fundamentals
Understand instrumentation setup and data acquisition systems
Develop competency in test data reduction and analysis
Interpret performance trends and validate against requirements
Example Responsibilities:
Support test setup and instrumentation validation
Analyze test data and generate performance plots
Assist in compiling test reports and summaries
Participate in root cause investigations related to performance anomalies
Key Deliverables:
Performance plots and data reduction outputs (1W–1M)
Test summary report (1M)
Performance analysis presentation (Final Project)
Product Engineering Rotation
Mentor: Production Engineering Lead
Primary Learning Objectives:
Understand engine lifecycle progression from requirements to customer delivery
Learn product configuration structure and BOM integrity principles
Gain exposure to configuration audits and production readiness
Understand risk mitigation and trade study evaluation
Example Responsibilities:
Validate and update Bills of Material (BOMs)
Support configuration audits and checklist reviews
Assist in production issue resolution and corrective actions
Develop risk reduction or mitigation proposals using engineering analysis tools
Support customer trade studies and configuration comparisons
Key Deliverables:
Updated BOMs and configuration checklist (1M)
Simulation or analysis results (1M)
Risk assessment or customer trade study report (Final Project)
Core Responsibilities (all Rotations)
Apply engineering fundamentals to real-world propulsion applications
Maintain data integrity, documentation accuracy, and revision control compliance
Participate in cross-functional reviews (Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Test)
Support continuous improvement initiatives within engineering processes
Present findings and recommendations to engineering leadership
Qualifications
Experience and Skills
Education:
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Junior or Senior standing preferred
Technical Skills:
Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks or equivalent)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Excel and basic data analysis
Understanding of basic thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural principles (preferred)
Pref
About the Company
At Kratos, we deliver affordable, disruptive technologies that enable real-world readiness for national security. Our solutions span unmanned systems, hypersonics, satellite communications, space, cyber, propulsion, and microwave solutions--supporting U.S. and allied defense missions across every domain. We design, manufacture, and field innovative systems at the speed of relevance for the warfighter and to address the threat--from high-performance tactical drones and autonomous trucks to resilient satellite networks and hyp...
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