Test Engineer

Job Description GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Test Engineer is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of propulsion system testing across development, acceptance, qualification, and customer-driven test programs. This role owns test activities end-to-end—from test concept and planning through execution and final reporting ensuring data integrity, safety, compliance, and customer confidence. The Test Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination across R&D, Design and Product Engineering, Senior Performance Engineering, engine testing, diagnostics, and production build activities. This role works closely with Engineering Technicians and Manufacturing personnel to ensure engineering intent, test execution, and shop-floor realities are tightly aligned to deliver reliable, repeatable, and customer-ready results. Test Planning, Strategy & Documentation Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and reports for development, acceptance, and qualification testingDefine test objectives, success criteria, instrumentation requirements, and data acquisition needsEnsure test documentation aligns with customer requirements, AS9100D, and internal standardsLead and support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and technical reviews Test Execution & Technical Oversight Lead and execute test events in ground test cells, development rigs, and customer environmentsProvide real-time technical oversight during test execution, including anomaly assessment and decision-makingCoordinate test schedules, facilities, and cross-functional resourcesServe as the final technical authority during test execution Engineering Technician Leadership & Task Direction Provide day-to-day technical direction and prioritization for Engineering Technicians reporting into TestAssign and coordinate technician activities across:Test setup, instrumentation, and teardownDiagnostics and troubleshootingEngine balancing and vibration-related workTest data collection and configuration verificationEnsure technicians are executing work in accordance with released engineering definitions and safety standardsMentor and develop Engineering Technicians in test methods, diagnostics, and disciplined execution Data Acquisition, Analysis & Reporting Define data acquisition strategies and ensure proper instrumentation configurationReview and validate test data, trends, and anomaliesOversee development of engine test summary reports and historical performance reportsEnsure test results are traceable, accurate, and customer-ready Diagnostics, Troubleshooting & Root Cause Lead system-level diagnostics and troubleshooting efforts for test and integration issuesPartner with Engineering Technicians on hands-on problem solvingSupport root cause analysis, corrective actions, and recovery plansEnsure lessons learned are captured and fed back into design and production Cross-Functional & Customer Interface Interface with Design, Product, Systems, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program ManagementServe as a technical point of contact for customers and test facilitiesCommunicate test status, risks, and outcomes to leadership and program teams Safety, Risk & Compliance Own test safety posture including hazard identification and mitigationEnsure test activities comply with safety, facility, and regulatory requirementsSupport audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities Continuous Improvement & Standards Develop and improve test standards, methods, and best practicesDrive improvements in test efficiency, data quality, and execution disciplineEnsure technician feedback and operational insights are captured into standard work SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY No direct supervisory or HR management responsibilityProvides technical guidance and coordination to Engineering Technicians within the scope of test activitiesAccountable for technical integrity, safety, and quality of test execution and results Experience And Skills REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Strong knowledge of propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, or complex mechanical systemsExperience leading engine testing and test teamsProficiency in instrumentation, DAQ systems, and test data analysisAbility to lead hands-on diagnostics and technically guide cross-functional teams through complex test-related problemsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage ITAR-controlled and confidential information Required EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering5+ years of experience in engine testing, propulsion testing, or similar environments Preferred Advanced engineering degreeExperience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar toolsExperience in aerospace/defense or regulated testing environments Work Environment / Physical Requirements Office, laboratory, test cell, and manufacturing environmentsExtended hours during test campaigns may be requiredExposure to noise, energized systems, and test equipment Travel Requirements 0-25% travel required THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED. A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES. EEO/M/F/D/V Job Benefits Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. EEO Is The Law Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com 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.