Design Release Engineer – Non-Rotating Components

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in Auburn Hills seeks a Non-Rotating Components Design Release Engineer to design and develop structural components for propulsion systems. You will ensure compliance with structural and thermal requirements while collaborating with various engineering teams. This role suits candidates with a mechanical or aerospace engineering degree and several years of relevant industry experience. Company offers robust benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of structural mechanical design is essential.
• Proficiency in CAD software is crucial, preferably SolidWorks.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings with GD&T is required.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of non-rotating structural propulsion components.
• Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering and Integration Engineering.
• Participate in post-test design reviews and conduct root-cause investigations.

Skills

Strong understanding of structural mechanical design

Knowledge of load paths, stress analysis, structural durability

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)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

3–8 years of experience in mechanical design or structural engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Structural FEA tools

Job description

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 Non‑Rotating Components Design Release Engineer 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.

This role owns non‑rotating component designs from concept through production release, ensuring designs meet structural, thermal, durability, and manufacturability requirements. The engineer ensures that non‑rotating hardware is configuration‑controlled, technically mature, and ready for manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer delivery.

The position works closely with Design Engineering, Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, Performance Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Quality to ensure structural components support engine performance, system integration, and production reliability.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Component Design & Development

• 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 Design Engineering in the development of 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings
• 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

Design Release & Configuration Control

• Ensure engineering drawings, models, and specifications are released in accordance with configuration management standards
• Maintain design documentation, including:
  • Engineering drawings
  • Bills of material (BOM)
  • Design calculations
  • Interface documentation
  • Technical specifications
• Own Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Notices (ECN)
• Ensure designs are configuration‑controlled within PLM/PDM systems
• Manage and present component status & schedule during internal reviews relative to engineering milestones (Change Control Boards, Issues Resolution Board, Gate Reviews)

Structural Analysis & Validation

• 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

Design for Manufacturing & Assembly

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure structural components are manufacturable and producible
• Support design reviews related to fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly
• Ensure tolerances, joints, and interfaces support efficient assembly and serviceability
• Support production readiness reviews and first‑article inspections
• Support on‑site supplier audits

System Integration & Interface Management

• Ensure structural components properly support system interfaces, including:
  • Rotating assemblies
  • Fuel systems
  • Engine controls
  • Electrical harnessing
  • Exhaust and thermal systems
  • Airframe mounting interfaces
• Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering and Integration Engineering to maintain interface compatibility

Test & Validation Support

• Support development, structural, and system‑level testing activities
• Evaluate test data to validate structural component performance
• Support troubleshooting and failure analysis of hardware
• Provide engineering support during development and production testing

Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in post‑test design reviews and own 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

Cross‑Functional Engineering Collaboration

• Collaborate with:
  • Design Engineering
  • Product Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Performance Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Test Engineering
  • Quality Engineering
• Support design reviews, interface reviews, and risk assessments
• Communicate design intent and technical requirements to cross‑functional teams

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• May provide technical guidance to junior engineers or technicians

Experience and Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Required

• 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)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Preferred

• 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

Education and Experience – Required

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

Education and Experience – Preferred

• Experience with propulsion systems or aerospace structures
• Experience supporting development and production programs

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
• Interaction with production hardware and test equipment
• Ability to work in manufacturing areas and test facilities
• May be required to lift materials or components up to 50 lbs

Travel Requirements

• 0–15% as required to support supplier visits, testing, or program activities

EEO/M/F/D/V

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. 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.

Job 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

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 [e-mail] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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