Quality Engineer III - IV

Job Description Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned 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. Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we’ve demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the U.S. military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price. At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer will design, develop, and execute quality assurance and control systems. Using expertise and judgment to implement a wide variety of quality concepts, practices, and procedures, you contribute to product and manufacturing process design, as well as methods for verification and validation of product, deliverable systems, and services to ensure adherence to company and customer requirements. You work toward the prevention and/or resolution of product and manufacturing process non‑conformances at KUAS.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Design test and inspection methods used to identify defects and problems within the process. Define robust quality and inspection plans for programs or projects under guidance or using previous bodies of knowledge. Interpret design documents and specifications to extract and document the quality function deliverables. Review CMM or inspection data for the qualification of new product and production tooling. Facilitate first article inspections including the approval and submittal of related reports (FAIRs). Participate in or lead continuous improvement projects to eliminate scrap and reduce rework operations. Work with operations management to establish, implement and maintain the quality management system. Interface with engineering design teams to drive changes for quality improvement. During manufacturing process and product design reviews, ensure that related quality considerations are well defined and documented in quality and inspection plans. Participate in or lead root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action for process‑related concerns. Support and lead the Quality Inspectors to ensure that products and processes comply with the relevant requirements of the quality management system. Support the Supplier Quality Engineers to ensure that quality concerns, failures, and relevant testing/performance data are reported to the supply base. May conduct audits, including closing out audit findings, creating audit findings reports and determining proper corrective and preventative actions. Analyze customer complaints and other quality escapes and drive corrective or preventative action in response. Maintain company quality documentation, including material, product, and system acceptance test plans. Track and report quality metrics and reports to management and customers. Update and maintain process control plans and FMEAs. Coordinate assigned suppliers and verify quality standards in accordance with established requirements, including performing regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and actively participating in strategic development based on quality control plans. Identify technical problems with suppliers and assist with implementing Supplier Correction Action Reports (SCAR). Define inspection processes using knowledge of GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Review and/or prepare documentation to support product/system delivery, including configuration and documentation verification. Disposition discrepant materials as identified by internal departments or customers. Analyze and report on process performance with emphasis on “critical to” and “cost of” quality. Adhere to safety procedures. Quality Engineer I Work on projects of basic complexity under guidance and using little previously established bodies of knowledge. Prepare inspection plans based on drawing requirements and compare manufacturing instructions per drawing requirements. Review and follow company processes related to assigned tasks, and present completed tasks to assigned program Quality Engineer. Participate in design reviews and prepare Inspection Plans (IPs) for program QE review. Review and update Nonconformance’s (NCs) based on assigned actions. Quality Engineer II Work on projects of medium complexity using previously established bodies of knowledge. Assist in definition of inspection tooling using knowledge of GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Lead root cause analysis efforts and subsequently be responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventive action plans. Responsible for providing oversight and guidance for NC’s, Countermeasures (CM’s) and Corrective Actions (CAPA’s), as assigned. Manage assigned NCs and CM’s to ensure forms are complete prior to closure. Provide technical guidance to Level I Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determine proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/design requirements. Participate in pre‑contract design reviews and identify potential shortfalls with current‑state command media (MOs, IPs, Process Specifications, etc.). Quality Engineer III Work on projects of advanced complexity using previously established bodies of knowledge. Is a top‑level contributor providing technical quality leadership and guidance on complex projects. Lead root cause analysis efforts and subsequently be responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventative action plans. Manage assigned NCs and CMs to ensure forms are complete prior to closure. Assist in the development of managerial, financial, and technical proposal volumes. Design and/or help define inspection tooling using expertise in GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Lead process improvement initiatives within quality and manufacturing. Provide technical guidance to Level I‑II Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determine proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/design requirements. Quality Engineer IV Work on projects of expert complexity using previously established bodies of knowledge. Be self‑driven and be able to work independently in an efficient manner without direct supervision. Be a top‑level contributor providing technical quality leadership and guidance on complex projects. Lead root cause analysis efforts and subsequently be responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventative action plans. Manage assigned NCs/CMs/CAs to ensure content is mature, complete, and audit‑ready, prior to closure. Participate in internal and external audits, with maturity, based on KUAS QMS and AS9100 standard. Possess a robust understanding of AS9100 and how to apply it to our operations and QMS. Assist in the development of managerial, financial, and technical proposal volumes. Design and/or help define inspection tooling using expertise in GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Lead process improvement initiatives within quality and manufacturing. Provide technical guidance to Level I/II/III Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determine proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/design requirements. Create and present customer facing presentations, as required. Possess the ability to comprehensively investigate failure modes using industry‑standard best‑practices. Display advanced Microsoft Excel and/or Minitab skills to effectively organize and analyze data. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None Compensation $110,000 - $125,000 Annually Experience And Skills Required Experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong verbal and written communications skills. Strong Microsoft Office Suite tools. Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required. Relentless root cause analysis skills. Must be a self‑directed professional. Ability to analyze data, measurements, and other information to reach accurate conclusions. Ability to think analytically and produce accurate analysis, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively. Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards. Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors. Ability to interact appropriately with external parties when necessary. Ability to adhere to workplace rules and exhibit appropriate behavior. Proficient in root cause, corrective and preventive action programs. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), DOE. Ability to read and interpret design drawings, schematics, and military specifications. Ability to close open actions and meet deadlines assigned. Preferred ASQ Quality Engineer certification. Familiarity and exposure to AS9100 and ISO systems. Experience in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of gauging methodology and metrology. Working understanding of assembly methods, fixtures, tooling, and fabrication methods. Experience with Quality Assurance within the aerospace industry. Demonstrated skills in statistical analysis, process control, and Statistical Process Control (SPC). Experience with composites. Strong project management skills. Six Sigma certification.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Quality Engineer I Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, a physical science or equivalent experience. Minimum of 1 year experience as an engineer at a manufacturing related company. Quality Engineer II Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, a physical science or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an engineer at a manufacturing related company. Quality Engineer III Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, a physical science or equivalent experience. Minimum of 6 years’ experience as an engineer at a manufacturing related company. Quality Engineer IV Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, a physical science or equivalent experience. Minimum of 10 years’ experience as an engineer at a manufacturing related company.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Office and/or manufacturing environment. Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time. Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key, phones). May be exposed to possible shop hazards including high noise level, high pressure equipment, chemicals, and shop traffic. Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 10% travel required between KUAS and customer/vendor locations. Job 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. EEO Statement Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity & affirmative action employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. EEO Is The Law Disability Accessibility Accommodation. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded. Pay Transparency The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kratos Defense and Security Solutions