Senior Aerothermal Test Lead — Campaigns & Analysis

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc. seeks a technical team lead in the Hypersonic Structures department to oversee aerothermal test campaigns, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with sponsors.

The role emphasizes independent judgment during high-consequence tests and active participation in strategic planning and business development. Ideal candidates will have advanced degrees in aerospace/related fields, experience in high-enthalpy ground testing, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Driver's license; travel is required.
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance (DOD SECRET).
• Master's or Bachelor's in relevant fields with experience.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Python or similar scripting language.
• coursework or experience in aerothermodynamics/high-enthalpy testing.

Responsibilities

• Define test requirements and specimen configurations for aerothermal tests.
• Lead on-site test campaigns at national facilities and manage labor budgets.
• Perform pre-test engineering activities including design and instrumentation strategy.
• Lead on-site test events, providing technical authority over test conduct and safety.
• Execute post-test data reduction, material characterization, and comparisons.
• Develop sponsor-facing technical reports and actionable recommendations.
• Support business development and proposal capture; coordinate with sponsors.

Skills

Leadership

MATLAB/Python

Aerothermodynamics

Test planning

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Applied Physics/Materials Engineering

Bachelor's degree in same fields

Tools

Arc jet testing

Instrumentation

Photogrammetry

Job description

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc. seeks a technical team lead in the Hypersonic Structures department to oversee aerothermal test campaigns, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with sponsors.

The role emphasizes independent judgment during high-consequence tests and active participation in strategic planning and business development. Ideal candidates will have advanced degrees in aerospace/related fields, experience in high-enthalpy ground testing, and proficiency with