Test Engineer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of propulsion system testing across development, acceptance, qualification, and customer-driven programs.

You will own test activities from concept through final reporting, ensuring data integrity, safety, compliance, and customer confidence, while coordinating with R&D, Design and Product Engineering, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable results.

Qualifications

• Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and reports for development, acceptance, and qualification testing.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, instrumentation requirements, and data acquisition needs.
• Ensure test documentation aligns with customer requirements, AS9100D, and internal standards.
• Lead and support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and technical reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute test events in ground test cells, development rigs, and customer environments.
• Provide real-time technical oversight during test execution, including anomaly assessment and decision-making.
• Coordinate test schedules, facilities, and cross-functional resources.
• Serve as the final technical authority during test execution.
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and prioritization for Engineering Technicians reporting into Test.
• Assign and coordinate technician activities across test setup, instrumentation, and teardown; diagnostics and troubleshooting; engine balancing and vibration work; data collection and configuration verification.

Skills

Test planning

Data analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Job description

The Test Engineer is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of propulsion system testing across development, acceptance, qualification, and customer-driven test programs. This role owns test activities end-to-end—from test concept and planning through execution and final reporting ensuring data integrity, safety, compliance, and customer confidence.

The Test Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination across R&D, Design and Product Engineering, Senior Performance Engineering, engine testing, diagnostics, and production build activities. This role works closely with Engineering Technicians and Manufacturing personnel to ensure engineering intent, test execution, and shop-floor realities are tightly aligned to deliver reliable, repeatable, and customer-ready results.

• Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and reports for development, acceptance, and qualification testing
• Define test objectives, success criteria, instrumentation requirements, and data acquisition needs
• Ensure test documentation aligns with customer requirements, AS9100D, and internal standards
• Lead and support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and technical reviews

Test Execution & Technical Oversight

• Lead and execute test events in ground test cells, development rigs, and customer environments
• Provide real-time technical oversight during test execution, including anomaly assessment and decision-making
• Coordinate test schedules, facilities, and cross-functional resources
• Serve as the final technical authority during test execution

Engineering Technician Leadership & Task Direction

• Provide day-to-day technical direction and prioritization for Engineering Technicians reporting into Test
• Assign and coordinate technician activities across:
• Test setup, instrumentation, and teardown
• Diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Engine balancing and vibration-related work
• Test data collection and configuration verification
• Ensure technicians are executing work in accordance with released engineering definitions and safety standards
• Mentor and develop Engineering Technicians in test methods, diagnostics, and disciplined execution

Data Acquisition, Analysis & Reporting

• Define data acquisition strategies and ensure proper instrumentation configuration
• Review and validate test data, trends, and anomalies
• Oversee development of engine test summary reports and historical performance reports
• Ensure test results are traceable, accurate, and customer-ready
• Lead system-level diagnostics and troubleshooting efforts for test and integration issues
• Partner with Engineering Technicians on hands-on problem solving
• Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and recovery plans
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and fed back into design and production

Cross-Functional & Customer Interface

• Interface with Design, Product, Systems, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management
• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers and test facilities
• Communicate test status, risks, and outcomes to leadership and program teams