Small Uncrewed Engines Development Engine Test Lead

Y99000 General Electric Company; Evendale (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Travel to partner sites

Job summary

GE Aerospace Evendale seeks an experienced Engine Test Lead to own the test strategy, planning, execution, data analysis, and issue resolution across multiple SUE development programs and partner facilities including Kratos and Purdue. The role requires deep propulsion testing expertise and strong leadership to coordinate activities across sites.

You will drive safety, real-time monitoring, and post-test reviews, collaborating with design and analysis teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum eight years in propulsion system testing or related test engineering roles with leadership of engine test programs from planning through execution.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine operation, performance, and testing principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition for propulsion systems.
• Ability to coordinate complex test activities across multiple organizations and sites.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills; willing to travel frequently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive engine test plans across SUE development programs, coordinating with GE Evendale, KTT, Purdue, and government facilities.
• Coordinate multi-site test execution, leading pre-test briefings, real-time monitoring, and post-test debriefs.
• Serve as primary technical interface with external partners for testing activities and test readiness reviews.
• Manage test facility capabilities, instrumentation gaps, and data acquisition systems.
• Lead post-test data analysis and present results to leadership and customers.
• Ensure safety compliance, lead hazard analyses, and maintain safety culture across sites.
• Champion lean engineering and continuous improvement to increase test efficiency and data quality.

Skills

Team leadership

Test planning & execution

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Test instrumentation

Data acquisition systems

MATLAB

Python

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/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 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 a related discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum eight 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 the ability to troubleshoot test issues in real‑time.
• Strong communication skills with the 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 a 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.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership development.

EEO Statement

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. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

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).