Performance Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Holidays

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Performance Engineer in Michigan to support propulsion system performance analysis and validation across development, acceptance, and qualification programs. The role emphasizes data collection, formatting, and reporting to inform engineering decisions and customer deliverables.

You will collaborate with Test, Product, Design, and Manufacturing teams to transform test data into clear performance insights, support regression and trends, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 4+ years of experience in performance analysis, test engineering, or data analysis
• Strong analytical and data-handling skills
• Proficiency in Excel
• Ability to interpret engineering data and documentation
• Ability to work with ITAR-controlled information

Responsibilities

• Test data collection and formatting for performance analysis
• Analyze test data and identify trends and anomalies
• Develop performance plots and reports
• Support correlation of models to test data
• Assist root cause analysis and problem investigation

Skills

Analytical skills

Data handling

Excel

Engineering data interpretation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

ITAR

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Performance Engineer supports propulsion system performance analysis and validation by collecting, formatting, analyzing, and reporting test performance data across development, acceptance, and qualification programs. Reporting to the Senior Performance Engineer, this role focuses on execution and data integrity, ensuring performance results are accurate, traceable, and ready to inform engineering decisions, corrective actions, and customer deliverables.

Job Description

The Performance Engineer supports propulsion system performance analysis and validation by collecting, formatting, analyzing, and reporting test performance data across development, acceptance, and qualification programs. Reporting to the Senior Performance Engineer, this role focuses on execution and data integrity, ensuring performance results are accurate, traceable, and ready to inform engineering decisions, corrective actions, and customer deliverables.

The Performance Engineer works closely with Test Engineering, Product Engineering, Design Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure test data is transformed into clear, reliable performance insight.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Test Data Collection & Formatting

• Support engine and system testing by collecting and organizing performance data from test events
• Verify test configurations, channels, units, and metadata are correctly captured
• Format raw test data into structured datasets suitable for analysis and reporting
• Ensure data integrity, traceability, and configuration alignment

Performance Data Analysis

• Analyze test data to assess engine and system performance against expectations
• Identify trends, deltas, and anomalies in measured performance
• Support comparison of test results to analytical predictions and historical baselines
• Assist with regression, trending, and basic statistical analysis as directed

Reporting & Visualization

• Develop performance plots, charts, and tables for internal and customer use
• Support creation of engine test summary reports and performance history reports
• Prepare clear, concise performance content for design reviews, program reviews, and customer briefings
• Ensure reports are technically accurate, well-organized, and professionally formatted

Test Correlation Support

• Support correlation of analytical models to test data under direction of the Senior Performance Engineer
• Assist with documenting correlation results and performance validation findings
• Support refinement of assumptions and data inputs based on test outcomes

Issue Support & Root Cause Analysis

• Support investigation of performance anomalies and shortfalls
• Assist Senior Performance Engineer with analytical root cause efforts
• Quantify impacts of design changes, process variation, or test conditions on performance results
• Support verification of corrective actions through follow-on analysis

Engineering & Test Integration

• Partner with Test Engineering to understand test objectives, instrumentation, and data requirements
• Support interpretation of test results and data reduction activities
• Ensure performance findings are fed back into Engineering, Test, and Program teams

Documentation, Configuration & Digital Thread

• Maintain configuration control of performance datasets, analysis files, and reports
• Ensure traceability between test data, configurations, and reported results
• Support integration of performance data into PLM, test databases, and QMS as required
• Ensure performance documentation is audit-ready and customer-ready

Standards, Methods & Continuous Improvement

• Follow established performance analysis standards and methods
• Support continuous improvement of data collection, analysis, and reporting workflows
• Incorporate lessons learned into analysis practices and templates

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Executes work under technical direction of the Senior Performance Engineer

Experience And Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required

• Strong analytical and data-handling skills
• Ability to collect, clean, and analyze complex test datasets
• Proficiency in Excel (data manipulation, plotting, basic calculations)
• Ability to interpret engineering data and technical documentation
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience with propulsion systems, gas turbines, or complex mechanical systems
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools
• Basic understanding of thermodynamics and performance analysis
• Experience working in AS9100-regulated environments

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 4+ years of experience in performance analysis, test engineering, or data analysis roles

Preferred

• Experience supporting engine or system-level testing
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume development and production environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, test cell, and manufacturing environments
• Frequent interaction with test hardware and data systems
• May require extended hours during test campaigns or anomaly resolution
• Ability to walk test areas and production floors
• May be required to lift materials, components, or equipment up to 50 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0–20% as required to support test activities or customer reviews

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. THEY ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES. 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.

EEO/M/F/D/V

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 Affiantive 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.

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