Engineering Internship

Job Descriptions:

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

Required Experience:

Qualifications

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)

Preferred Exposure:

• GD&T fundamentals

• Engineering drawings and BOM structures

• Data acquisition or test environments

• Configuration or change management processes

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong attention to detail and technical rigor

• Ability to work within structured engineering processes

• Effective communication and presentation skills

• Willingness to ask questions and engage in hands-on learning

• High accountability and follow-through

DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES

By the end of the internship, the candidate will:

• Understand the propulsion system lifecycle from concept through delivery

• Demonstrate the ability to generate engineering-grade documentation

• Present a structured final project summarizing rotation contributions

• Gain exposure to aerospace-level configuration and compliance rigor

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office and manufacturing environments

• Frequent interaction with ERP systems and supplier communications

• May require extended hours during production surges or material shortages

• May be required to lift materials or packages up to 50 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-10% as required to support suppliers, audits, or internal coordination

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

Keyword: propulsion engineering, design engineering, performance engineering, product engineering, CAD modeling, test analysis, configuration management, BOM integrity, aerospace, change control

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [email protected] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

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.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.

From: Kratos Defense