Job Description
Test Engineer Kratos Unmanned Systems United States, Michigan, Auburn Hills May 29, 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 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 Keyword:
propulsion testing, engine testing, test planning, instrumentation, DAQ systems, data analysis, diagnostics, root cause, AS9100D, test execution, test reports, gas turbines, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python
Required Experience:
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
INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED 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
AREiINCIDENTAL 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
#LI-Onsite From:
Kratos Defense
