Design Release Engineer – Non-Rotating Components

About the role

The Non-Rotating Components Design Release Engineer at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is responsible for ensuring the successful design, development, validation, and release of structural engine components that support propulsion system architecture but do not rotate. This includes engine structures, housings, mounts, frames, brackets, and load-bearing assemblies that interface with rotating machinery, fuel systems, controls, and airframe structures.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of non-rotating structural propulsion components, including engine casings and housings, structural frames and support structures, engine mounts and airframe interfaces, exhaust structures and ducting, fuel system structures and brackets, external engine structures and covers, support structures, and more.
• Define component best practices based on customer flow down requirements and internal methodologies as they relate to geometry, tolerances, and interface requirements.
• Apply continuous improvement methods to refine component design (design best practices based on learnings) and processes.
• Ensure designs meet structural load, thermal, vibration, and durability requirements.
• Own engineering drawings, models, and specifications, and maintain design documentation including engineering drawings, bills of material (BOM), design calculations, interface documentation, and technical specification.
• Manage and present component status & schedule during internal reviews relative to process of engineering milestones (Change Control Boards, Issues Resolution Board, Gate Reviews).
• Perform/coordinate structural analysis for non-rotating components including static structural analysis, thermal stress considerations, vibration and load path analysis, mount and structural interface loads and fatigue life.
• Work with CAE/FEA engineers to validate structural integrity and durability.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure structural components are manufacturable and producible.
• Support design reviews related to fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly.
• Support production readiness reviews and first article inspections.
• Support on-site supplier audits.
• Ensure structural components properly support system interfaces including rotating assemblies, fuel systems, engine controls, electrical harnessing, exhaust and thermal systems, and airframe mounting interfaces.
• Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering and Integration Engineering to maintain interface compatibility.
• Support development, structural, and system-level testing activities.
• Evaluate test data to validate structural component performance.
• Support troubleshooting and failure analysis of hardware.
• Participate in post-test design reviews and own the execution of root cause investigations related to component performance or failures.
• Support corrective actions and design improvements.
• Capture lessons learned to improve component design robustness and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, Performance Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Quality Engineering to support design reviews, interface reviews, and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of structural mechanical design.
• Knowledge of load paths, stress analysis, structural durability, and thermal effects.
• Ability to interpret and create engineering drawings with GD&T.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR).

Skills

• Experience designing aerospace engine structures or propulsion hardware.
• Familiarity with structural FEA tools.
• Experience with welded or fabricated structural assemblies.
• Experience in AS9100-regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–8 years of experience in mechanical design or structural engineering.

Benefits

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