Defense Systems Integration Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Why this role matters

Every accurate torque, every clean cable route, every correctly applied sealant contributes to mission success. As a Defense Systems Integration Technician at Kform, you’ll turn drawings into dependable hardware used in critical applications by defense and government partners.

What you’ll tackle

• Translate drawings, travelers, BOMs, and work instructions into consistent, high-quality assemblies.
• Fit and fasten brackets, panels, seals, inserts, connectors, wiring, cable assemblies, and electronic modules.
• Operate hand tools, torque tools, crimpers, measuring instruments, and basic electrical test equipment with safety and precision.
• Execute cable routing and labeling, hardware installation, enclosure builds, and end-to-end system integration.
• Apply adhesives, thread lockers, sealants, and thermal interface materials exactly per process.
• Conduct in-process inspections to validate workmanship, dimensions, hardware choices, configuration, and completeness.
• Perform continuity, functional, and operational tests using approved procedures and equipment.
• Log labor, materials, serial numbers, and test/inspection results with rigor and accuracy.
• Maintain ID, configuration control, and traceability; keep conforming and nonconforming material clearly segregated.
• Surface drawing, material, fit, process, and workmanship concerns early to engineering, quality, or production leaders.
• Support prototype builds and suggest improvements to methods, work instructions, fixtures, and manufacturability.
• Help with rework, repair, inspection, packaging, kitting, and shipment prep when needed.
• Keep your station clean, organized, and safe; practice 5S daily.
• Follow Kform’s quality, safety, cybersecurity, export-control, and controlled-information procedures.
• Protect customer information, technical data, materials, and hardware.
• Assist other manufacturing activities as business needs evolve.

Must-haves

• High school diploma, GED, or comparable practical experience.
• At least 1 year in mechanical/electronics assembly, manufacturing, maintenance, automotive repair, aviation, field service, or related hands-on work.
• Ability to read and follow assembly drawings, diagrams, BOMs, work instructions, and procedures.
• Hands-on experience with standard hand tools and measurement devices.
• Strong mechanical sense and attention to detail.
• Ability to recognize hardware, component, material, and basic workmanship defects.
• Track record of following controlled processes and documenting completed tasks accurately.
• Basic computer skills for digital work instructions and production data entry.
• Clear communication with peers, engineers, quality, and production leadership.
• Comfort working independently post-training and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and on-site work in Sterling, Virginia.
• Meets eligibility requirements for projects involving export-controlled products, technical information, or customer programs, as applicable.

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years assembling for defense, aerospace, industrial, telecom, computing, robotics, or ruggedized electronics.
• Experience in low-volume, high-mix environments or new-product introduction.
• Background assembling sheet-metal enclosures, machined parts, electronic systems, cable harnesses, control panels, or ruggedized equipment.
• Proficiency in crimping, soldering, wire prep, cable fab, and connector terminations.
• Use of torque drivers, calipers, multimeters, continuity testers, and inspection tools.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, ESD practices, or related standards.
• Experience within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems.
• Familiarity with travelers, inspection records, nonconformance reports, and electronic manufacturing records.
• Technical school, military technical training, apprenticeship, manufacturing certification, or vocational education.

What success looks like

• Consistently clean, accurate, and reliable output.
• Zero skipped steps—process and documentation are followed every time.
• Issues are flagged early; defects don’t move downstream.
• Rapid learning of new products and build steps.
• Strong control over parts, tools, materials, and technical data.
• Active collaboration with engineering and quality to refine builds.
• Appreciation that workmanship, traceability, and schedule performance impact the mission directly.

Physical and work conditions

• Stand or sit at an assembly workstation for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands/fingers for small components, tools, fasteners, and wiring.
• Bending, reaching, kneeling, and moving between production areas.
• Safely lift and move up to [40] pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Use required PPE.
• Work near machinery, fabrication operations, electronics, adhesives, and other production materials.
• Occasional overtime to meet schedule needs.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation is competitive and tied to experience and demonstrated capability.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401k Retirement plan
• Training and professional-development opportunities
• Opportunities across prototype development, production, and advanced defense manufacturing

Final compensation and benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

Who we are

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer that moves advanced technology from concept and prototype to production. We unite engineering, machining, fabrication, electronics assembly, system integration, test, and supply-chain support to deliver reliable hardware for demanding missions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kform is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, performance, and business needs. Kform does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.