Small Uncrewed Engines Development Engine Test Lead

GE Aerospace; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Aerospace Evendale, Kratos Turbine Technologies, and Purdue University collaborate on the Small Uncrewed Engines program. The Engine Test Lead will own the test strategy, oversee planning, execution, data analysis, and issue resolution across sites, ensuring safety and compliance while coordinating with external partners and internal teams.

Travel to multiple sites is required, with flexible hours for test events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 8+ years in propulsion system testing or related roles, with leading engine test programs.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine operation, performance, and testing principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition for propulsion systems.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex tests across multiple sites and geographies.
• Excellent problem-solving and real-time troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork with external partners.
• Willingness to travel frequently to Evendale, KTT, Purdue.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive engine test plans across SUE programs and across GE Evendale, KTT, Purdue and government facilities.
• Coordinate multi-site test execution with governance structures and lead pre-test briefings, monitoring and post-test debriefs.
• Serve as primary technical interface with external partners for testing activities and ensure proper data flow and lessons learned.
• Manage test facility capabilities and instrumentation, assess gaps and coordinate data acquisition.
• Lead post-test data analysis with design and analysis teams to inform design decisions and present results to leadership.
• Ensure safety compliance, conduct hazard analyses, and lead test readiness reviews for go/no-go decisions.
• Champion FLIGHT DECK principles and lean engineering practices to increase test efficiency and data quality.

Skills

Propulsion testing

Test leadership

Cross-site coordination

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

CFD

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Small Uncrewed Engines (SUE) Development Engineering Team seeks an experienced Engine Test Lead to provide technical leadership for all engine testing activities across our portfolio of advanced propulsion systems. This role owns the comprehensive engine test strategy and execution across multiple test sites, including GE Aerospace Evendale facilities, Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) facilities, and Purdue University test facilities.

You will serve as the primary technical authority for engine test planning, preparation, execution, data analysis, and issue resolution across multiple SUE development programs. This role requires deep expertise in propulsion system testing, strong leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate complex test activities across organizations and geographic locations. Close collaboration with external partners, including Kratos Turbine Technologies, is essential. Travel frequently to support test activities at multiple sites and flexible hours including evenings and weekends for test execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive engine test plans across SUE development programs, defining test objectives, test articles, instrumentation requirements, test conditions, and success criteria while coordinating activities across GE Aerospace Evendale, KTT, Purdue University, and government test facilities.
• Coordinate multi-site test execution, establishing test coordination processes, communication protocols, and governance structures while leading test execution activities including pre-test briefings, real-time monitoring, and post-test debriefs.
• Serve as primary technical interface with external partners (particularly Kratos Turbine Technologies) for all testing activities, managing technical reviews, test readiness reviews, and ensuring proper flow of test data, reports, and lessons learned across sites.
• Manage test facility capabilities and instrumentation, assessing gaps and supporting facility modifications, coordinating data acquisition systems, and partnering with operations teams to ensure readiness and proper configuration of test assets.
• Lead post-test data analysis, coordinating with design engineering, systems engineering, and analysis teams to interpret results and inform design decisions, developing test reports and presenting results to leadership and customers.
• Ensure safety compliance across all testing activities, leading test hazard analyses, conducting test readiness reviews, serving as technical authority for test safety decisions (go/no-go), and maintaining a strong safety culture across all sites.
• Champion FLIGHT DECK principles, lean engineering practices, and continuous improvement initiatives to increase test efficiency, improve data quality, and advance testing capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in propulsion system testing, turbomachinery testing, or related test engineering roles, with demonstrated experience leading engine test programs from planning through execution and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine operation, performance, and testing principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and measurement techniques for propulsion systems.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex test activities across multiple organizations and geographic locations.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with ability to troubleshoot test issues in real‑time.
• Strong communication skills with ability to work effectively with diverse teams and external partners.
• Ability to travel frequently to support test activities at multiple sites (Evendale, KTT, Purdue).
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to support test execution.
• Must obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with small uncrewed engines, expendable propulsion systems, or limited‑life engine applications.
• Department of War weapon system testing and qualification experience.
• Prior experience with Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) or Purdue University test facilities.
• Experience with military engine testing including MIL‑STD test requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge of test facility design, test cell operations, and test safety protocols.
• Experience with advanced instrumentation techniques (high‑speed data acquisition, optical measurements, non‑intrusive diagnostics).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) and experience with CFD or performance modeling.
• Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler.
• Familiarity with GE Aerospace's FLIGHT DECK operating model.
• Active DoW security clearance.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience with test automation, digital test technologies, and statistical analysis/design of experiments (DOE) methodologies.

Why Join Us

Lead the engine test program for multiple critical Department of War propulsion systems with direct national security impact. Work with cutting‑edge propulsion technology and state‑of‑the‑art test facilities across multiple locations. Collaborate with world‑class engineering teams at GE Aerospace, Kratos Turbine Technologies, and Purdue University. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership development.

Additional Information

This role requires access to U.S. export‑controlled information. Employment is contingent upon proving U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee). GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes.