Test Engineer - Subject Matter Expert - MACH TB

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Test Engineer to lead system integration for hypersonic test vehicles in Crane, Indiana. The successful candidate will manage test activities, ensuring compliance with protocols and optimizing schedules with fellow engineers.

Required are 3–5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. An active DoD SECRET clearance is also necessary. The role involves both office and field operations, with the potential for up to 30% travel.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience or 5–7 years in lieu of a degree.
• Active DoD SECRET clearance.
• Hands-on experience with hardware/software integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles.
• Manage hardware/software integration and ensure adherence to test protocols.
• Coordinate test schedules with other Engineers for resource optimization.

Skills

Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace systems

Mechanical aptitude for integration operations and hardware verification

Ability to create, track, complete and close discrepancy reports

Familiarity with telemetry checkout equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with relevant experience

Tools

Telemetry checkout equipment

Ground support equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Test Engineer will lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. This role is responsible for planning, developing procedures, scheduling, and executing system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests. Key duties include managing hardware and software integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and protocols, and verifying/validating system performance requirements. The Test Engineer will coordinate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to ensure test readiness, capture and analyze results, document integration processes, and proactively mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks. The role also includes coordinating test schedules with other missions and Test Engineers to optimize usage of Integration and Environmental Test resources.

Location

• Crane, IN

Essential Job Functions

Primary

• Develop, document, and execute test workflows and procedures.
• Lead end-to-end test campaign lifecycle activities including planning, procedure development, integration, execution, and data capture.
• Lead, oversee, and refine system integration processes for supersonic and hypersonic test vehicles, including mechanical, electrical, avionics, and telemetry checkout operations.
• 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.
• Conduct site visits to experimenter locations to confirm readiness for vehicle integration prior to arrival at the Indiana Payload Integration Facility.
• Create and maintain workflows that support efficient testing operations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for vehicle readiness, integration readiness, test configuration control, and test-related risk identification/mitigation.

Secondary

• Review and contribute to Lessons Learned databases to support continuous improvement across missions.
• Generate and manage discrepancy reports and ensure timely tracking, traceability, documentation and closure.
• Assist with configuration management of test documents, hardware status, and integration records.
• Provide technical mentoring and oversight to early-career Test Engineers and integration technicians.
• Support internal and external audits and quality inspections.

Supervisory Responsibility

Limited supervisory responsibility with Subject Matter Expert level oversight for technical activities, process compliance, and mentorship for junior engineers and technicians.

Experience And Skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Required

• Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace, defense, or high-performance systems.
• Ability to create, track, complete and close discrepancy reports.
• Familiarity with telemetry checkout equipment and other vehicle/payload ground support equipment operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for performing fit checks, integration operations, and hands‑on hardware verification.
• Active DoD SECRET clearance.

Preferred

• Prior experience supporting DoD or private testing campaigns working on government contracts.
• Hands‑on integration experience with hardware and/or software systems.
• Experience supporting rocket launched or high-performance systems.
• Familiarity with environmental test systems such as vibration, mass properties, flight safety processes, and telemetry integration.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3–5 years of relevant experience
• OR 5–7 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree

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.

Travel

• Up to 30%

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 Equal Opportunity Statement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affiant. 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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