Small Uncrewed Engines Development Engine Test Lead

Job Description Summary

The Small Uncrewed Engines (SUE) Development Engineering Team seeks an experienced Engine Test Lead to provide technical leadership for all engine testing activities across our portfolio of advanced propulsion systems. This role owns the comprehensive engine test strategy and execution across multiple test sites, including GE Aerospace Evendale facilities, Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) facilities, and Purdue University test facilities.

You will serve as the primary technical authority for engine test planning, preparation, execution, data analysis, and issue resolution across multiple SUE development programs. This role requires deep expertise in propulsion system testing, strong leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate complex test activities across organizations and geographic locations. Close collaboration with external partners, including Kratos Turbine Technologies, is essential.

Travel frequently to support test activities at multiple sites and flexible hours including evenings/weekends for test execution.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive engine test plans across SUE development programs, defining test objectives, test articles, instrumentation requirements, test conditions, and success criteria while coordinating activities across GE Aerospace Evendale, KTT, Purdue University, and government test facilities.
• Coordinate multi-site test execution, establishing test coordination processes, communication protocols, and governance structures while leading test execution activities including pre-test briefings, real-time monitoring, and post-test debriefs.
• Serve as primary technical interface with external partners (particularly Kratos Turbine Technologies) for all testing activities, managing technical reviews, test readiness reviews, and ensuring proper flow of test data, reports, and lessons learned across sites.
• Manage test facility capabilities and instrumentation, assessing gaps and supporting facility modifications, coordinating data acquisition systems, and partnering with operations teams to ensure readiness and proper configuration of test assets.
• Lead post-test data analysis, coordinating with design engineering, systems engineering, and analysis teams to interpret results and inform design decisions, developing test reports and presenting results to leadership and customers.
• Ensure safety compliance across all testing activities, leading test hazard analyses, conducting test readiness reviews, serving as technical authority for test safety decisions (go/no-go), and maintaining strong safety culture across all sites.
• Champion FLIGHT DECK principles, lean engineering practices, and continuous improvement initiatives to increase test efficiency, improve data quality, and advance testing capabilities.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in propulsion system testing, turbomachinery testing, or related test engineering roles, with demonstrated experience leading engine test programs from planning through execution and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine operation, performance, and testing principles.
• Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and measurement techniques for propulsion systems.
• Proven ability to coordinate complex test activities across multiple organizations and geographic locations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot test issues in real-time.
• Strong communication skills with ability to work effectively with diverse teams and external partners.
• Ability to travel frequently to support test activities at multiple sites (Evendale, KTT, Purdue).
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to support test execution.
• Must obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with small uncrewed engines, expendable propulsion systems, or limited-life engine applications.
• Department of War weapon system testing and qualification experience.
• Prior experience with Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) or Purdue University test facilities.
• Experience with military engine testing including MIL-STD test requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge of test facility design, test cell operations, and test safety protocols.
• Experience with advanced instrumentation techniques (high-speed data acquisition, optical measurements, non-intrusive diagnostics).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) and experience with CFD or performance modeling.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler.
• Familiarity with GE Aerospace's FLIGHT DECK operating model.
• Active DoW security clearance.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience with test automation, digital test technologies, and statistical analysis/design of experiments (DOE) methodologies.
  
  

Why Join Us

Lead the engine test program for multiple critical Department of War propulsion systems with direct national security impact. Work with cutting-edge propulsion technology and state-of-the-art test facilities across multiple locations. Collaborate with world-class engineering teams at GE Aerospace, Kratos Turbine Technologies, and Purdue University. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership development.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon proving U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes