Hypersonic Test Execution Lead

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings

PTO

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

ESPP

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a technical team lead in the Hypersonic Structures department to direct aerothermal test programs and mentor a small team of engineers. The role involves planning campaigns, on-site execution at national facilities, and delivering rigorous post-test analyses and reports to sponsors.

Candidates should bring advanced degrees in aerospace-related fields, DoD clearance readiness, and hands-on experience with arc jets or high-enthalpy testing.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DoD SECRET clearance.
• 5+ years in aerospace/thermostructural testing or related fields.
• Experience leading a small engineering team and coordinating with sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a 2-4 engineer team, conduct performance evaluations.
• Plan, resource, and execute end-to-end test campaigns at national facilities.
• Oversee pre-test design, instrumentation, and test matrix development.
• Act as primary engineer during on-site test events, ensuring safety and data quality.
• Lead post-test analysis and publish sponsor-ready technical reports.
• Engage sponsors, support business development, and proposal efforts.
• Collaborate cross-team and contribute to strategic department planning.
• Develop and present technical papers at conferences and forums.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Test planning

Analytical reasoning

Technical reporting

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a technical team lead in the Hypersonic Structures department to direct aerothermal test programs and mentor a small team of engineers. The role involves planning campaigns, on-site execution at national facilities, and delivering rigorous post-test analyses and reports to sponsors.

Candidates should bring advanced degrees in aerospace-related fields, DoD clearance readiness, and hands-on experience with arc jets or high-enthalpy testing.