Defense Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Performance Engineer is a technical generalist in propulsion system thermodynamics, turbomachinery performance, and aerodynamic analysis, providing system-level insight into propulsion system behavior across all major gas-path components of the engine.

This role supports propulsion system performance analysis and validation by collecting, formatting, analyzing, and reporting test performance data across development, acceptance, and qualification programs. Reporting to the Senior Performance Engineer, the role focuses on execution, analytical rigor, and data integrity, ensuring performance results are accurate, traceable, and ready to inform engineering decisions, corrective actions, and customer deliverables.

The Performance Engineer works closely with Test Engineering, Product Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and customers to interpret engine performance using analytical methods, computational tools, and test data, with emphasis on overall system behavior and airframe integration effects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Test Data Collection & Formatting

• Support engine and system testing by collecting and organizing performance data from test events
• Support test planning and instrumentation definition, including channel selection, units, and sampling considerations
• Verify test configurations, metadata, and facility conditions are correctly captured
• Format raw test data into structured datasets suitable for analysis and reporting
• Ensure data integrity, traceability, and configuration alignment

Performance Data Analysis & System Interpretation

• Analyze test data to assess engine and system performance against expectations
• Apply thermodynamic and aerodynamic analysis to interpret performance trends
• Identify deltas, anomalies, and performance sensitivities across major gas-path components
• Support comparison of test results to analytical predictions and historical baselines
• Assist with regression, trending, and statistical analysis as directed

Engine Cycle Modeling & Aerothermo Analysis

• Develop and maintain engine thermodynamic cycle models for internal engineering use and customer delivery
• Define performance metrics, calculations, and efficiencies used for analysis
• Account for facility, installation, and airframe effects in performance interpretation
• Apply turbomachinery and aerodynamic analysis to diagnose performance issues
• Support design updates and trade studies for performance improvement

Reporting & Visualization

• Develop performance plots, charts, and tables for internal and customer use
• Support creation of engine test summary reports and performance history reports
• Prepare clear, concise performance content for design reviews, program reviews, and customer briefings
• Ensure reports are technically accurate, well-organized, and professionally formatted

Test Correlation & Model Validation

• Support correlation of analytical models to test data under direction of the Senior Performance Engineer
• Assist with documenting correlation results and performance validation findings
• Support refinement of assumptions, boundary conditions, and model inputs based on test outcomes

Issue Support & Root Cause Analysis

• Support investigation of performance anomalies and shortfalls
• Assist Senior Performance Engineer with analytical root cause efforts
• Quantify impacts of design changes, process variation, or test conditions on performance results
• Support verification of corrective actions through follow-on analysis

Engineering, Manufacturing & Customer Integration

• Partner with Test Engineering to understand test objectives and instrumentation needs
• Work with Mechanical Design and Manufacturing to interpret performance impacts of hardware and processes
• Interact directly with customers to provide technical guidance on engine modeling, operation, performance capability, and airframe installation considerations
• Ensure performance findings are fed back into Engineering, Test, Manufacturing, and Program teams

Documentation, Configuration & Digital Thread

• Maintain configuration control of performance datasets, analysis files, and reports
• Ensure traceability between test data, configurations, and reported results
• Support integration of performance data into PLM, test databases, and QMS as required
• Ensure performance documentation is audit-ready and customer-ready

Standards, Methods & Continuous Improvement

• Follow established performance analysis standards and methods
• Support continuous improvement of data collection, analysis, and reporting workflows
• Incorporate lessons learned into analysis practices, templates, and modeling approaches

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Executes work under technical direction of the Senior Performance Engineer

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, turbomachinery, and propulsion system performance
• Strong analytical and data-handling skills
• Ability to collect, clean, and analyze complex test datasets
• Proficiency in Excel (data manipulation, plotting, calculations)
• Ability to interpret engineering data and technical documentation
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience with propulsion systems, gas turbines, or complex aerothermal systems
• Experience with scripting and compiled programming languages such as C, C++, python, SciPy/NumPy
• Theoretical or practical background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Experience building and validating engine cycle models
• Experience working in AS9100-regulated environments

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering
• 2-5 years of experience in performance analysis, test engineering, or data analysis roles

Preferred

• Experience supporting engine or system-level testing
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume development and production environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, test cell, and manufacturing environments
• Frequent interaction with test hardware and data systems
• May require extended hours during test campaigns or anomaly resolution
• Ability to walk test areas and production floors
• May be required to lift materials, components, or equipment up to 50 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-20% as required to support test activities or customer reviews

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

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