Job Information
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Design Release Engineer- Rotating Components in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Job Descriptions:
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 Rotating Component Design Release Engineer is responsible for ensuring the successful design, development, validation, and release of rotating engine components used within propulsion systems. This role focuses on turbomachinery hardware including turbine wheels, compressor components, shafts, bearings, seals, and associated rotating assemblies.
This role owns component designs from concept through production release, ensuring designs meet performance, structural, manufacturing, and reliability requirements. The role ensures rotating hardware is configuration-controlled, technically mature, and ready for production, test, and customer delivery.
This position works closely with Design Engineering, Product Engineering, Performance Engineering, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure rotating components are robust, manufacturable, and capable of meeting engine performance requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Rotating Component Design & Development
Own the design and development of rotating turbomachinery components, including:
Turbine wheels and disks
Compressor rotors and impellers
Shafts and couplings
Bearings and bearing support structures
Seals and rotating interfaces
Support Design Engineering in the development of 3D CAD models and 2D 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, thermal, and performance 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 specifications
Support 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 & Mechanical Analysis
Perform/Coordinate necessary structural analysis for rotating components including:
Stress analysis
Fatigue life evaluation
Rotor dynamics considerations
Thermal effects
Collaborate with CAE/FEA engineers to validate component integrity
Design for Manufacturing & Assembly
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure components are manufacturable and producible
Support machining strategy, tolerancing, and inspection requirements
Participate in design reviews related to manufacturability and assembly
Support production readiness reviews and first article inspections
Support on-site supplier audits
Test & Validation Support
Support component and system testing activities
Evaluate test data to confirm rotating component performance
Support failure analysis and troubleshooting of rotating 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 rotating component performance or failures
Support corrective actions and design improvements
Capture lessons learned to improve future design robustness and manufacturability
Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration
Work closely with:
Design Engineering
Product Engineering
Systems Engineering
Performance Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Test Engineering
Quality Engineering
Support design reviews, technical risk assessments, and engineering decisions
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
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required
Strong understanding of rotating machinery and turbomachinery design
Knowledge of mechanical design principles including stress, fatigue, 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 work across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Preferred
Experience designing turbine, compressor, or rotating propulsion hardware
Familiarity with rotor dynamics and high-speed rotating systems
Familiarity with electric motors and power generation
Experience with FEA tools for structural validation
Experience with CFD tools or interpreting CFD results
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 turbomachinery engineering
Preferred
Experience with propulsion systems or aerospace rotating hardware
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
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Keyword: turbomachinery design, rotating components, CAD modeling, GD&T, structural analysis, rotor dynamics, design release, configuration control, manufacturability, FEA collaboration, test validation
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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From: Kratos Defense