Quality Engineer I-IV - Kratos Defense

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 US 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. Uses expertise and judgment to implement a wide variety of quality concepts, practices, and procedures. 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/customer requirements. Works toward the prevention and/or resolution of product and manufacturing process non-conformances at KUAS.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Quality Engineers. Each level of Quality Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Designs test and inspection methods used to identify defects and problems within the process.
• Defines robust quality and inspection plans for programs or projects under guidance or using previous bodies of knowledge.
• Interprets design documents and specifications to extract and document the quality function deliverables.
• Reviews CMM or inspection data for the qualification of new product and production tooling.
• Facilitates first article inspections including the approval and submittal of related reports (FAIRs).
• Participates in or leads continuous improvement projects to eliminate scrap and reduce rework operations.
• Works with operations management to establish, implement and maintain the quality management system.
• Interfaces with engineering design teams to drive changes for quality improvement.
• During manufacturing process and product design reviews, ensures that related quality considerations are well defined and documented in quality and inspection plans.
• Participates in or leads root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action for process related concerns.
• Supports and leads the Quality Inspectors to ensure that products and processes comply with the relevant requirements of the quality management system.
• May conduct audits, including closing out audit findings, creating audit findings reports and determine proper corrective and preventative actions.
• Analyzes customer complaints and other quality escapes, and drives corrective or preventative action in response.
• Maintains company quality documentation, including material, product, and system acceptance test plans.
• Ensures timely resolution of Supplier Corrective Action Reports for assigned suppliers.
• Manages assigned supplier(s) performance, including periodic audits.
• Tracks and reports quality metrics and reports to management and customers.
• Updates and maintains process control plans and FMEAs.
• Responsible for coordinating assigned suppliers and verifying quality standards in accordance with established requirements, which includes, but is not limited to performing regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and actively participating in strategic development based on quality control plans.
• Serve as the liaison for assigned suppliers, suggest structural quality, and process improvements, and collaborate with other engineers in a team environment.
• Identifies technical problems with suppliers and assists with implementing Supplier Correction Action Reports (SCAR).
• Responsible for managing assign supplier scorecards, facilitating resolution of below standard scores and keeping Supply Chain informed of supplier scores.
• Defines inspection processes using knowledge of GD&T and inspection tooling/gauging concepts.
• Reviews and/or prepares documentation to support product/system delivery, including configuration and documentation verification.
• Dispositions discrepant materials as identified by internal departments or customers.
• Analyzes and reports on process performance with emphasis on critical to and cost of quality.
• Adheres 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 Nonconformances (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 NCs, Countermeasures (CMs) and Corrective Actions (CAPAs), as assigned.
• Manages assigned NCs and CMs 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.
• Provide 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.
• Able to participate in internal and external audits, with maturity, based on KUAS QMS and AS9100 standard.
• Must possess a robust understanding of AS9100 and how to apply it to our 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.
• Provide 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

Keyword: Quality Engineer, product and manufacturing process design, drawing, non-conformance, FMEAs
Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite tools.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.
• Relentless root cause analysis skills.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), DOE.
• Must be a self-directed professional.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, schematics, and military specifications.
• 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 close open actions and meet deadlines assigned.
• 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.

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.
• Strong project management skills.
• Six Sigma certification.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Quality Engineer builds on the identified education and experience listed for the previous level(s) Quality Engineer.

Quality Engineer I

• Bachelors 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

• Bachelors 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

• Bachelors 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

• Bachelors 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.

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From: Kratos Defense