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Performance Engineer
Job Description
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY
The Performance Engineer 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, this role focuses on execution 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, and Manufacturing to ensure test data is transformed into clear, reliable performance insight.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Test Data Collection & Formatting Support engine and system testing by collecting and organizing performance data from test events Verify test configurations, channels, units, and metadata 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 Analyze test data to assess engine and system performance against expectations Identify trends, deltas, and anomalies in measured performance Support comparison of test results to analytical predictions and historical baselines Assist with regression, trending, and basic statistical analysis as directed 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 Support 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 and data 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 & Test Integration Partner with Test Engineering to understand test objectives, instrumentation, and data requirements Support interpretation of test results and data reduction activities Ensure performance findings are fed back into Engineering, Test, 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 and templates
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibility Executes work under technical direction of the
Senior Performance Engineer Experience and Skills:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required Strong analytical and data-handling skills Ability to collect, clean, and analyze complex test datasets Proficiency in Excel (data manipulation, plotting, basic 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 mechanical systems Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools Basic understanding of thermodynamics and performance analysis Experience working in AS9100-regulated environments
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline 4+ 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. EEO/M/F/D/V
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LI-Onsite 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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded. Pay Transparency The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.
From:
Kratos Defense
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plans
- Employee Stock Options (ESOs)
- Health Insurance