Kratos Defense and Security Solutions · 11 hours ago
Performance Engineer
Auburn Hills, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expKratos Defense and Security Solutions is a leading defense technology company focused on various advanced systems. The Performance Engineer role involves analyzing and validating propulsion system performance data, ensuring accuracy and integrity to inform engineering decisions and customer deliverables.
ConsultingCyber SecurityGovernmentInformation TechnologyNational SecurityPublic SafetySatellite CommunicationSecurity
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Qualification
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)
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering
2–5 years of experience in performance analysis, test engineering, or data analysis roles
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
Experience supporting engine or system-level testing
Experience in high-mix, low-volume development and production environments
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
Company
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions provides mission critical engineering, IT services, and war fighter solutions.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$943.8MKey Investors
United States Air Force
2025-06-25Post Ipo Equity· $556M
2025-04-17Grant· $30M
2024-02-22Post Ipo Equity· $288M
Leadership Team
Eric DeMarco
President and CEO
B
Ben Goodwin
SVP,Corporate Development & Government Affairs
Recent News
2026-02-03
The Motley Fool
2026-02-02
Company data provided by crunchbase