Test Engineer Kratos Unmanned Systems United States, Michigan, Auburn Hills Sep 14, 2026 GENERAL

JOB SUMMARY

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-endifrom 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. Test Planning, Strategy & Documentation 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 Diagnostics, Troubleshooting & Root Cause 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 Safety, Risk & Compliance Own test safety posture including hazard identification and mitigation

Ensure test activities comply with safety, facility, and regulatory requirements

Support audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities Continuous Improvement & Standards Develop and improve test standards, methods, and best practices

Drive improvements in test efficiency, data quality, and execution discipline

Ensure technician feedback and operational insights are captured into standard work

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory or HR management responsibility

Provides technical guidance and coordination to Engineering Technicians within the scope of test activities

Accountable for technical integrity, safety, and quality of test execution and results

Keyword:

engine testing, propulsion systems, test planning, instrumentation, DAQ systems, data analysis, diagnostics, root cause, verification, validation, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, AS9100D

Required Experience:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, or complex mechanical systems

Experience leading engine testing and test teams

Proficiency in instrumentation, DAQ systems, and test data analysis

Ability to lead hands-on diagnostics and technically guide cross-functional teams through complex test-related problems

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage ITAR-controlled and confidential information

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required Bacheloris degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

5+ years of experience in engine testing, propulsion testing, or similar environments Preferred Advanced engineering degree

Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools

Experience in aerospace/defense or regulated testing environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Office, laboratory, test cell, and manufacturing environments

Extended hours during test campaigns may be required

Exposure to noise, energized systems, and test equipment

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 0-25

% travel required

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.i

THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES. EEO/M/F/D/V

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LI-Onsite From:

Kratos Defense