Test Engineer

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-endifrom 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 & DocumentationDevelop 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 reviewsTest Execution & Technical OversightLead 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 executionEngineering Technician Leadership & Task DirectionProvide 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 executionData Acquisition, Analysis & ReportingDefine 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-readyDiagnostics, Troubleshooting & Root CauseLead 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 productionCross-Functional & Customer InterfaceInterface 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 teamsSafety, Risk & ComplianceOwn test safety posture including hazard identification and mitigationEnsure test activities comply with safety, facility, and regulatory requirementsSupport audits, customer reviews, and compliance activitiesContinuous Improvement & StandardsDevelop 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 workSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYNo 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 resultsREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESStrong 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 informationKeyword: propulsion testing, engine testing, test planning, instrumentation, DAQ systems, data analysis, diagnostics, root cause, AS9100D, test execution, test reports, gas turbines, LabVIEW, MATLAB, PythonRequired Experience: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCERequiredBacheloris degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering5+ years of experience in engine testing, propulsion testing, or similar environmentsPreferredAdvanced engineering degreeExperience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar toolsExperience in aerospace/defense or regulated testing environmentsWORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSOffice, laboratory, test cell, and manufacturing environmentsExtended hours during test campaigns may be requiredExposure to noise, energized systems, and test equipmentTRAVEL REQUIREMENTS0-25% travel requiredTHE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF... For full info follow application link. Kratos is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos 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.