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
Keyword: propulsion systems, thermodynamics, turbomachinery, aerodynamic analysis, engine performance, test data analysis, cycle... For full info follow application link.
Kratos is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled.
All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos 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.
