What It's Like to Work There
Mid-size defense company that moves faster than the big primes. Engineers get more hands-on experience and broader responsibilities. San Diego headquarters is an attractive location. Less bureaucratic than Northrop or Lockheed but still process-oriented for defense work.
Resume Tips for Kratos Defense
Kratos specializes in affordable, attritable (expendable) drones and tactical systems. If you have experience with low-cost UAV design, highlight it.
Show experience with satellite ground systems, SATCOM terminals, or signal processing. Kratos's Space & Satellite division is a significant part of their business.
Highlight experience with hypersonic systems, propulsion, or high-speed aerodynamics if relevant. Kratos is investing in hypersonic technology.
Mention experience with missile defense systems, target drones, or electronic warfare. These are core product areas.
If you have experience building systems designed for affordability (design-to-cost), emphasize it. Kratos's value proposition is delivering capability at lower cost.
Show hands-on test and integration experience. Kratos is a mid-tier company where engineers get closer to the hardware.
Hiring Process
Online application, then recruiter phone screen
Technical phone interview with the engineering team
Onsite or virtual panel with 3-4 interviews
Security clearance investigation for most defense roles
Interview Style
Technical interviews focus on domain expertise in your area (RF, propulsion, avionics, or software). Questions are practical and focused on how you'd solve real engineering problems. Behavioral rounds assess teamwork and ability to work within defense program constraints.
Top Roles They Hire
Systems Engineer
Software Engineer
Rf Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Program Manager
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