Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Test Engineer 3

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in RF and Microwave testing, or 3 years with a Master’s degree.
  • Strong technical knowledge of RF measurement equipment and methodologies.
  • Proficient in scripting languages such as VBA, Python, or LabView for automation.
  • Experience with environmental testing equipment operation and programming.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering schematics and specifications.

Responsibilities

  • Develops and validates test plans and procedures for new products.
  • Conducts testing on RF devices to ensure compliance with performance standards.
  • Creates and runs automated test scripts to gather and analyze performance data.
  • Trains engineers in equipment calibration and operational procedures.
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives for testing processes.

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule and opportunity for onsite training.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams for broad professional exposure.
  • Participation in customer audits to enhance client relations.
  • Innovative technology access for test automation and data analysis.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and skills enhancement through diverse projects.
Full Job Description
Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for a Test Engineer 3 to work onsite at their Folsom, CA location.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Designs, develops, and implements cost-effective and efficient methods of testing and troubleshooting hardware for all phases of product development and manufacturing. Prepares test and qualification plans, designs and validates test fixtures and equipment, and completes specifications and procedures for new products. Plans the labor, schedules, and equipment required for testing devices. Performs functional, electrical, and environmental testing on various RF and Microwave devices. Responsible for creating automated test scripts and stations to collect and analyze test results to ensure product compliance. Works independently and collaborates with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams to ensure product performance, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Generate, review, and approve technical documentation including test plans, procedures (Qualification, Acceptance, and Design Verification), work instructions and engineering change documentation
• Leads the setup, integration, and validation of both manual and automated RF test systems (ATE) and stations.
• Supports the testing of RF devices such as Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA's), Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA's) Frequency Converters and Mixers, and various Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMA's) to verify product performance and compliance
• Analyzes complex RF and Electrical performance data and generates technical reports to demonstrate product quality and compliance
• Maintains and supports periodic preventative maintenance for electrical and environmental test equipment
• Trains engineers and technicians in performing equipment calibration and operation
• Develops, implements, and supports test automation software to interface with RF test instrumentation
• Evaluates test times and test cost reductions
• Provides CapEx recommendations and justifications
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, process optimization, and cost reduction
• Participate in customer reviews, audits,
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of the area of specialization, principles and practices within a professional discipline.
• Assesses challenges and anomalies utilizing analytical and problem-solving techniques to identify root cause.
• Provides technical leadership in troubleshooting RF products, test systems, and production-related failures.
• This job is a fully qualified, experienced professional, journey-level position.
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Devises solutions based on limited information and precedents and adapts existing approaches to resolve issues.
• Uses evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select best course of action.
• Enhance relationships and networks with senior internal/external partners who are not familiar with the subject matter.
• Adapts style to a range of audiences and provides guidance through challenging circumstances.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Expert level with strong technical knowledge in RF and Microwave test equipment and test methodologies. Includes understanding of network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, noise figure meters, oscilloscopes, etc.
• Strong understanding of RF performance parameters including Gain, Power, Noise Figure, Harmonics, Intermodulation Products, Spurious Response and Stability, AM to AM and AM to PM conversions, and Phase Noise.
• Proficient in various scripting languages (i.e VBA, Python, LabView, etc) to support automation
• Knowledge in operating and programming environmental test equipment including thermal cycling chambers, thermal shock chambers, vibration tables, mechanical shock systems, constant acceleration, etc
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings such as schematics, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the assigned duties, including computer skills.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and the public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with eh ability to present technical information to engineering, management, customers, and suppliers.
• Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing, and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment, and changes, and more.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience supporting production, qualification, and environmental testing of RF and Microwave products.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to work in a laboratory, office, and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, or assist in positioning electronic equipment, test fixtures, and rack-mounted assemblies up to 50 pounds
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Occasional support of environmental testing activities requiring interaction with thermal chambers, vibration systems, mechanical shock systems, EMI/EMC and other specialized equipment
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, use tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements: Yes, as required.

#LI-BI1Kratostest
Salary Range: $$120,000.00 - $148,000.00

About Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, solutions, and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Kratos Government Solutions, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety & Security. The Kratos Government Solutions segment offers microwave electronic products, satellite communications, training systems, modular systems, and defense and rocket support services. The Unmanned Systems segment provides unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne, as well as command, control, and communications systems. The Public Safety & Security segment designs, engineers, deploys, operates, integrates, maintains, and operates security and surveillance solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, government, and commercial customers. The company serves national security related agencies, the department of defense, intelligence agencies, and classified agencies, as well as international government agencies and domestic and international commercial customers; and critical infrastructure, power generation, power transport, nuclear energy, financial, IT, healthcare, education, transportation, and petro-chemical industries, as well as government and military customers. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Size
3,300 employees
Market Cap
$1.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.6 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$747.6 million
NASDAQ

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