Design Release Engineer - Non-Rotating Components
Kratos Defense, Auburn Hills, MI, United States
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 Non-Rotating Components Design Release Engineer is responsible for ensuring the successful design, development, validation, and release of structural engine components that support propulsion system architecture but do not rotate. This includes engine structures, housings, mounts, frames, brackets, and load-bearing assemblies that interface with rotating machinery, fuel systems, controls, and airframe structures.
This role owns non-rotating component designs from concept through production release, ensuring designs meet structural, thermal, durability, and manufacturability requirements. The engineer ensures that non-rotating hardware is configuration-controlled, technically mature, and ready for manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer delivery.
The position works closely with Design Engineering, Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, Performance Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Quality to ensure structural components support engine performance, system integration, and production reliability.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Component Design & Development
Own the design and development of non-rotating structural propulsion components, including:
Engine casings and housings
Structural frames and support structures
Engine mounts and airframe interfaces
Exhaust structures and ducting
Fuel system structures and brackets
External engine structures and covers
Support Design Engineering in the development of 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings
Define component best practices based on customer flow down requirements and internal methodologies as they relate to geometry, tolerances, and interface requirements
Apply continuous improvement methods to refine component design (design best practices based on learnings) and processes
Ensure designs meet structural load, thermal, vibration, and durability requirements
Design Release & Configuration Control Ensure engineering drawings, models, and specifications are released in accordance with configuration management standards
Maintain design documentation including:
Engineering drawings
Bills of material (BOM)
Design calculations
Interface documentation
Technical Specification
Own Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Notices (ECN)
Ensure designs are configuration-controlled within PLM/PDM systems
Manage and present component status & schedule during internal reviews relative Process of Engineering milestones (Change Control Boards, Issues Resolution Board, Gate Reviews)
Structural Analysis & Validation Perform/Coordinate structural analysis for non-rotating components including:
Static structural analysis
Thermal stress considerations
Vibration and load path analysis
Mount and structural interface loads and fatigue life
Work with CAE/FEA engineers to validate structural integrity and durability
Design for Manufacturing & Assembly Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure structural components are manufacturable and producible
Support design reviews related to fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly
Ensure tolerances, joints, and interfaces support efficient assembly and serviceability
Support production readiness reviews and first article inspections
Support on-site supplier audits
System Integration & Interface Management Ensure structural components properly support system interfaces including:
Rotating assemblies
Fuel systems
Engine controls
Electrical harnessing
Exhaust and thermal systems
Airframe mounting interfaces
Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering and Integration Engineering to maintain interface compatibility
Test & Validation Support Support development, structural, and system-level testing activities
Evaluate test data to validate structural component performance
Support troubleshooting and failure analysis of hardware
Provide engineering support during development and production testing
Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement Participate in post-test design reviews and own the execution of root cause investigations related to component performance or failures
Support corrective actions and design improvements
Capture lessons learned to improve component design robustness and manufacturability
Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration Collaborate with:
Design Engineering
Product Engineering
Systems Engineering
Performance Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Test Engineering
Quality Engineering
Support design reviews, interface reviews, and risk assessments
Communicate design intent and technical requirements to cross-functional teams
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY No direct supervisory responsibility
May provide technical guidance to junior engineers or technicians
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required Strong understanding of structural mechanical design
Knowledge of load paths, stress analysis, structural durability and thermal effects
Ability to interpret and create engineering drawings with GD&T
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Preferred Experience designing aerospace engine structures or propulsion hardware
Familiarity with structural FEA tools
Experience with welded or fabricated structural assemblies
Experience in AS9100-regulated environments
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
3-8 years of experience in mechanical design or structural engineering
Preferred Experience with propulsion systems or aerospace structures
Experience supporting development and production programs
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
Interaction with production hardware and test equipment
Ability to work in manufacturing areas and test facilities
May be required to lift materials or components up to 50 lbs
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 0-15% as required to support supplier visits, testing, or program activities
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
#LI-Onsite
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Non-Rotating Components Design Release Engineer is responsible for ensuring the successful design, development, validation, and release of structural engine components that support propulsion system architecture but do not rotate. This includes engine structures, housings, mounts, frames, brackets, and load-bearing assemblies that interface with rotating machinery, fuel systems, controls, and airframe structures.
This role owns non-rotating component designs from concept through production release, ensuring designs meet structural, thermal, durability, and manufacturability requirements. The engineer ensures that non-rotating hardware is configuration-controlled, technically mature, and ready for manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer delivery.
The position works closely with Design Engineering, Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, Performance Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Quality to ensure structural components support engine performance, system integration, and production reliability.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Component Design & Development
Own the design and development of non-rotating structural propulsion components, including:
Engine casings and housings
Structural frames and support structures
Engine mounts and airframe interfaces
Exhaust structures and ducting
Fuel system structures and brackets
External engine structures and covers
Support Design Engineering in the development of 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings
Define component best practices based on customer flow down requirements and internal methodologies as they relate to geometry, tolerances, and interface requirements
Apply continuous improvement methods to refine component design (design best practices based on learnings) and processes
Ensure designs meet structural load, thermal, vibration, and durability requirements
Design Release & Configuration Control Ensure engineering drawings, models, and specifications are released in accordance with configuration management standards
Maintain design documentation including:
Engineering drawings
Bills of material (BOM)
Design calculations
Interface documentation
Technical Specification
Own Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Notices (ECN)
Ensure designs are configuration-controlled within PLM/PDM systems
Manage and present component status & schedule during internal reviews relative Process of Engineering milestones (Change Control Boards, Issues Resolution Board, Gate Reviews)
Structural Analysis & Validation Perform/Coordinate structural analysis for non-rotating components including:
Static structural analysis
Thermal stress considerations
Vibration and load path analysis
Mount and structural interface loads and fatigue life
Work with CAE/FEA engineers to validate structural integrity and durability
Design for Manufacturing & Assembly Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure structural components are manufacturable and producible
Support design reviews related to fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly
Ensure tolerances, joints, and interfaces support efficient assembly and serviceability
Support production readiness reviews and first article inspections
Support on-site supplier audits
System Integration & Interface Management Ensure structural components properly support system interfaces including:
Rotating assemblies
Fuel systems
Engine controls
Electrical harnessing
Exhaust and thermal systems
Airframe mounting interfaces
Coordinate closely with Systems Engineering and Integration Engineering to maintain interface compatibility
Test & Validation Support Support development, structural, and system-level testing activities
Evaluate test data to validate structural component performance
Support troubleshooting and failure analysis of hardware
Provide engineering support during development and production testing
Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement Participate in post-test design reviews and own the execution of root cause investigations related to component performance or failures
Support corrective actions and design improvements
Capture lessons learned to improve component design robustness and manufacturability
Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration Collaborate with:
Design Engineering
Product Engineering
Systems Engineering
Performance Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Test Engineering
Quality Engineering
Support design reviews, interface reviews, and risk assessments
Communicate design intent and technical requirements to cross-functional teams
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY No direct supervisory responsibility
May provide technical guidance to junior engineers or technicians
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required Strong understanding of structural mechanical design
Knowledge of load paths, stress analysis, structural durability and thermal effects
Ability to interpret and create engineering drawings with GD&T
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Preferred Experience designing aerospace engine structures or propulsion hardware
Familiarity with structural FEA tools
Experience with welded or fabricated structural assemblies
Experience in AS9100-regulated environments
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
3-8 years of experience in mechanical design or structural engineering
Preferred Experience with propulsion systems or aerospace structures
Experience supporting development and production programs
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
Interaction with production hardware and test equipment
Ability to work in manufacturing areas and test facilities
May be required to lift materials or components up to 50 lbs
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 0-15% as required to support supplier visits, testing, or program activities
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
#LI-Onsite