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, leveraging 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. The role contributes to product and manufacturing process design, as well as methods for verification/validation of product, deliverable systems, and services to ensure adherence to company and customer requirements. The engineer works 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. 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. Prepare and review documentation to support product/system delivery, including configuration and documentation verification. Dispositions 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 Works on projects of basic complexity under guidance and using little previously established bodies of knowledge. Prepares inspection plans based on drawing requirements and compares manufacturing instructions per drawing requirements. Reviews and follows company processes related to assigned tasks, and presents completed tasks to assigned program Quality Engineer. Participates in design reviews and prepares Inspection Plans (IPs) for program QE review. Reviews and updates Nonconformance’s (NCs) based on assigned actions. Quality Engineer II Works on projects of medium complexity using previously established bodies of knowledge. Assists in definition of inspection tooling using knowledge of GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Leads root‑cause analysis efforts and subsequently is responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventative action plans. Responsible for providing oversight and guidance for NC’s, Countermeasures (CM’s) and Corrective Actions (CAPA’s), as assigned. Manages assigned NCs and CM’s to ensure forms are complete prior to closure. Provides technical guidance to level I Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determines proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/ design requirements. Participates in pre‑contract design reviews and identifies potential shortfalls with current‑state command media (MOs, IPs, Process Specifications, etc.). Quality Engineer III Works 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. Leads root‑cause analysis efforts and subsequently is responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventative action plans. Manages assigned NCs and CMs to ensure forms are complete prior to closure. Assists in the development of managerial, financial, and technical proposal volumes. Designs and/or helps define inspection tooling using expertise in GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Leads process improvement initiatives within quality and manufacturing. Provides technical guidance to level I‑II Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determines proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/ design requirements. Quality Engineer IV Works on projects of expert complexity using previously established bodies of knowledge. Must be self‑driven and be able to work independently in an efficient manner without direct supervision. Is a top‑level contributor providing technical quality leadership and guidance on complex projects. Leads root‑cause analysis efforts and subsequently is responsible for developing and implementing robust effective corrective/preventative action plans. Manages assigned NCs/CMs/CAs to ensure content is mature, complete, and audit‑ready, prior to closure. Participates in internal and external audits, with maturity, based on KUAS QMS and AS9100 standard. Possesses a robust understanding of AS9100 and how to apply it to operations and QMS. Assists in the development of managerial, financial, and technical proposal volumes. Designs and/or helps define inspection tooling using expertise in GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts. Leads process improvement initiatives within quality and manufacturing. Provides technical guidance to level I/II/III Quality Engineers and other QA staff. Determines proper quality codes to assign in ERP system based on contract/ design requirements. Creates and presents customer‑facing presentations, as required. Must possess the ability to comprehensively investigate failure modes using industry standard best‑practices. Must 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 in Quality Assurance within the aerospace industry Demonstrated skills in statistical analysis, process control, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) Experience with composites Education and Experience Required: 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 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 Benefits Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Savings Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Paid Time-Off (PTO) Holidays Education Reimbursement 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. 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. 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