Associate Manufacturing Engineering Manager

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 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 Associate Manufacturing Engineering Manager (AMEM) provides leadership for junior manufacturing engineers and is responsible for their training and development. The AMEM will directly improve program productivity, process reliability, and overall process flow through implementation of process improvements, tooling advances, and in-process control programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reinforces a culture of safety and quality through regular engagement on the production floor and participation in audits and safety reviews
• Champions effective tooling lifecycle management, including design, procurement, qualification, and maintenance of production tools and fixtures
• Manages Junior Manufacturing Engineers ensuring proper training, adequate tools and development
• Supports the Manufacturing Engineering Manager with complex projects and tasks
• Manages projects and tasks of moderate-low complexity
• Provides technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineers and Production Specialists
• Develops and manages program manufacturing instruction documentation
• Reviews assembly and test procedures and design and implementation of test fixtures and tools
• Supports Human Resources functions of the manufacturing engineering group including training, development, and performance appraisals
• Manages junior manufacturing engineering process improvement through analysis, redesign, development and implementation of change plans to improve efficiency/performance of manufacturing
• Coordinates process and product changes as required by our Configuration Management System (CMS)
• Ensures effective use of material and tooling in producing quality products more efficiently at minimum cost
• Ensures compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS)
• Maintains contact with inter-organizational and external representatives
• Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Supervises exempt staff of engineers and support staff, as applicable

COMPENSATION

$110,000 - $130,000 Annually

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Composite lamination, bonding, machining, and assembly processes
• Manufacturing documentation and configuration control
• Budgeting and cost?control fundamentals
• Strong communication and cross?functional collaboration
• Coaching, training, and development of junior engineers
• Lead process and tooling improvements to enhance throughput and reduce cost

Preferred:

• Aerospace & defense composite manufacturing environments and standards
• Ability to influence cross?functional teams at the program level

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering required
• Minimum 7 years of combined experience as an individual engineer and engineering manager
• Must have thorough working knowledge of composite lamination, composite bonding, machining, and assembly processes, practical experience in a manufacturing environment and good problem-solving skills
• Must have general knowledge of budget preparation and cost control
• A high degree of creativity is expected
• Working knowledge of ISO9001/AS9100 requirements
• Proven track record in a high variety, low volume manufacturing environment
• Passion for customer satisfaction
• Ability to influence cross-functionally to meet program/project requirements
• Strong communication skills
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred:

• Experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in an Aerospace & Defense Composite manufacturing environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment - Spends 40-60% of time in shop environment
• Some lifting (not over 50 lbs.) and standing for long periods of time on a hard surface
• May be exposed to possible shop hazards including high noise level, high pressure equipment, chemicals, projectiles 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:

5-15% May be required between other KUAS locations or vendor locations

#LI-Onsite

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

• 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