Performance Engineer

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 FUNCTIONSTest Data Collection & FormattingSupport engine and system testing by collecting and organizing performance data from test eventsSupport test planning and instrumentation definition, including channel selection, units, and sampling considerationsVerify test configurations, metadata, and facility conditions are correctly capturedFormat raw test data into structured datasets suitable for analysis and reportingEnsure data integrity, traceability, and configuration alignmentPerformance Data Analysis & System InterpretationAnalyze test data to assess engine and system performance against expectationsApply thermodynamic and aerodynamic analysis to interpret performance trendsIdentify deltas, anomalies, and performance sensitivities across major gas-path componentsSupport comparison of test results to analytical predictions and historical baselinesAssist with regression, trending, and statistical analysis as directedEngine Cycle Modeling & Aerothermo AnalysisDevelop and maintain engine thermodynamic cycle models for internal engineering use and customer deliveryDefine performance metrics, calculations, and efficiencies used for analysisAccount for facility, installation, and airframe effects in performance interpretationApply turbomachinery and aerodynamic analysis to diagnose performance issuesSupport design updates and trade studies for performance improvementReporting & VisualizationDevelop performance plots, charts, and tables for internal and customer useSupport creation of engine test summary reports and performance history reportsPrepare clear, concise performance content for design reviews, program reviews, and customer briefingsEnsure reports are technically accurate, well-organized, and professionally formattedTest Correlation & Model ValidationSupport correlation of analytical models to test data under direction of the Senior Performance EngineerAssist with documenting correlation results and performance validation findingsSupport refinement of assumptions, boundary conditions, and model inputs based on test outcomesIssue Support & Root Cause AnalysisSupport investigation of performance anomalies and shortfallsAssist Senior Performance Engineer with analytical root cause effortsQuantify impacts of design changes, process variation, or test conditions on performance resultsSupport verification of corrective actions through follow-on analysisEngineering, Manufacturing & Customer IntegrationPartner with Test Engineering to understand test objectives and instrumentation needsWork with Mechanical Design and Manufacturing to interpret performance impacts of hardware and processesInteract directly with customers to provide technical guidance on engine modeling, operation, performance capability, and airframe installation considerationsEnsure performance findings are fed back into Engineering, Test, Manufacturing, and Program teamsDocumentation, Configuration & Digital ThreadMaintain configuration control of performance datasets, analysis files, and reportsEnsure traceability between test data, configurations, and reported resultsSupport integration of performance data into PLM, test databases, and QMS as requiredEnsure performance documentation is audit-ready and customer-readyStandards, Methods & Continuous ImprovementFollow established performance analysis standards and methodsSupport continuous improvement of data collection, analysis, and reporting workflowsIncorporate lessons learned into analysis practices, templates, and modeling approachesSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYNo direct supervisory responsibilityExecutes work under technical direction of the Senior Performance EngineerKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESRequiredStrong understanding of thermodynamics, turbomachinery, and propulsion system performanceStrong analytical and data-handling skillsAbility to collect, clean, and analyze complex test datasetsProficiency in Excel (data manipulation, plotting, calculations)Ability to interpret engineering data and technical documentationStrong attention to detail and data accuracyClear written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)PreferredExperience with propulsion systems, gas turbines, or complex aerothermal systemsExperience with scripting and compiled programming languages such as C, C++, python, SciPy/NumPyTheoretical or practical background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Experience building and validating engine cycle modelsExperience working in AS9100-regulated environmentsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCERequiredBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering2-5 years of experience in performance analysis, test engineering, or data analysis rolesPreferredExperience supporting engine or system-level testingExperience in high-mix, low-volume development and production environmentsWORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSOffice, test cell, and manufacturing environmentsFrequent interaction with test hardware and data systemsMay require extended hours during test campaigns or anomaly resolutionAbility to walk test areas and production floorsMay be required to lift materials, components, or equipment up to 50 lbsTRAVEL REQUIREMENTS0-20% as required to support test activities or customer reviewsTHE 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 ABILITIESEEO/M/F/D/V#LI-Onsite

Created: 2026-04-02