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 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

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

Strong understanding of thermodynamics, turbomachinery, and propulsion system performance

Strong analytical and data-handling skills

Ability to collect, clean, and analyze complex test datasets

Proficiency in Excel (data manipulation, plotting, 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 aerothermal systems

Experience with scripting and compiled programming languages such as C, C++, python, SciPy/NumPy

Theoretical or practical background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Experience building and validating engine cycle models

Experience working in AS9100-regulated environments

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

2-5 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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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

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