Test Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

The Entry Level Test Engineer at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions will support system integration, basic testing, and verification activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems at IPIF in Indiana. Under guidance of senior Test Engineers, you will help develop test procedures, prepare configurations, perform hands-on hardware integration, and document results.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure readiness for integration and

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of experience or internships in testing environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on hardware interest.
• Basic familiarity with test equipment, electrical connectors, instrumentation, or telemetry.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and document work accurately.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain or already have an active DoD SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and documenting test workflows, documentation, and in the execution of procedures and other testing activities.
• Support system integration activities, including mechanical fit checks, connector verification, and basic electrical/telemetry checkout tasks.
• Participate in test execution, including setup, data collection, and observation of results.
• Manage test schedules in coordination with fellow Test Engineers and area managers.
• Coordinate with contractors, sub-contractors, experiment and project teams to facilitate the testing, integration, and execution of test vehicles.
• Create and maintain workflows that support efficient testing operations.
• Review and contribute to Lessons Learned databases to support continuous improvement across missions
• Assist in the generation and management of discrepancy reports and ensure timely tracking, traceability, documentation and closure.
• Assist with configuration management of test documents, hardware status, and integration records.
• Support internal and external audits and quality inspections.

Skills

Test procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Telemetry basics

Documentation

Communication & teamwork

DoD SECRET clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace engineering

0–1 year experience or 3–5 years in lieu

Tools

MATLAB

Python

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Entry Level Test Engineer will support system integration, basic testing, and verification activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems at the Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF). Working under the guidance of senior Test Engineers, this role assists in developing test procedures, preparing test configurations, performing hands on hardware integration, and documenting test results. The Entry Level Test Engineer will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure readiness for integration and testing activities, maintain documentation accuracy, resolve basic discrepancies, and follow established procedures. This position provides early career engineers with structured growth, technical mentorship, and exposure to complex aerospace test operations.

LOCATION

• Crane, IN

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary –

• Assist in developing and documenting test workflows, documentation, and in the execution of procedures and other testing activities.
• Support system integration activities, including mechanical fit checks, connector verification, and basic electrical/telemetry checkout tasks.
• Participate in test execution, including setup, data collection, and observation of results.
• Manage test schedules in coordination with fellow Test Engineers and area managers.
• Support site visits to experimenter locations to confirm readiness for vehicle integration prior to arrival at the Indiana Payload Integration Facility.
• Coordinate with contractors, sub-contractors, experiment and project teams to facilitate the testing, integration, and execution of test vehicles.
• Create and maintain workflows that support efficient testing operations.

SECONDARY –

• Review and contribute to Lessons Learned databases to support continuous improvement across missions
• Assist in the generation and management of discrepancy reports and ensure timely tracking, traceability, documentation and closure.
• Assist with configuration management of test documents, hardware status, and integration records.
• Support internal and external audits and quality inspections.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A

Experience And Skills

JOB SKILLS:

Required –

• Some experience (internship, school project, or 0–1 year in industry) developing or following test procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in hands?on hardware work.
• Basic familiarity with test equipment, electrical connectors, instrumentation, or telemetry systems (can be academic experience).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and document work accurately.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain or already have an active DoD SECRET clearance.

Preferred –

• Prior exposure to aerospace, defense, or high performance systems (internship, project team, lab environment, etc.).
• Hands-on integration experience with hardware and/or software systems
• Familiarity with environmental or hardware integration testing (thermal, vibration, avionics checkout, etc.).
• Familiarity with writing reports, documenting test results, or tracking technical issues.
• Familiar with rocket-launched or high?performance systems.
• Experience with engineering tools such as MATLAB, Python, and CAD software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 0–1 year of relevant experience (internships, co ops, and academic project teams accepted) OR 3–5 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.

Travel

• Up to 30%

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The role operates in office settings, assembly/integration settings, and field operation/test range environments. Office work includes being seated or standing at a desk, operating a computer and reading a monitor. Assembly/integration work includes extended standing/walking; use of hand tools and test equipment; repetitive tasks; reaching/stooping; occasional lifting/moving of equipment or materials; adherence to safety protocols and required PPE.

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 Affirmative 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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