Assembly Lead

KFORM Defense; Sterling (VA); Sur place; USD 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical insurance

401k Retirement plan

Paid time off

Résumé du poste

KFORM Defense seeks an Assembly Lead to supervise daily assembly operations for mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical products in a high‑mix defense manufacturing environment. You will assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure accurate documentation and traceability at our Sterling, VA site.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, advanced assembly skills, and hands-on experience with drawings, BOMs, and quality control in a regulated setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years in mechanical/electromechanical assembly or related hands-on environment.
• 2+ years leading or coordinating assembly technicians.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Experience with quality-management systems (AS9100) or similar.

Responsabilités

• Lead Level I/II technicians to meet production schedules and quality targets.
• Interpret drawings, BOMs, and work instructions to guide assembly.
• Provide hands-on support for mechanical and electrical assembly, wiring, and system integration.
• Train and mentor technicians on workmanship, safety, and procedures.
• Coordinate inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and rework as needed.

Connaissances

Assembly leadership

Mechanical assembly

Electrical assembly

Documentation

Formation

High school diploma

Outils

Torque tools

Calipers

Multimeters

Inspection equipment

Description du poste

About KformKform is a next-generation defense manufacturer that engineers and manufactures mission systems for defense technology companies, established corporations, and government customers. We help teams move advanced technology from concept and prototype through production by integrating engineering, machining, fabrication, electronics assembly, system integration, testing, and supply-chain support.We build real hardware for demanding applications. Our work requires craftsmanship, attention to detail, disciplined documentation, and a commitment to delivering reliable products to the people who depend on them.Position SummaryKform is seeking an experienced Assembly Lead to oversee daily assembly operations, coordinate production activities, and lead a team of technicians building mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical products for defense and mission-critical applications.The Assembly Lead is responsible for ensuring that assembly work is completed accurately, efficiently, safely, and according to engineering drawings, bills of material, work instructions, production travelers, and quality requirements. This person will provide hands-on technical leadership, assign and prioritize work, train technicians, resolve assembly challenges, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and production leadership to meet customer and production objectives.This is a hands-on leadership position for someone with advanced assembly skills, strong organizational abilities, and experience guiding teams in a high-mix manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate leads by example, takes ownership of workmanship and production performance, and continuously improves the processes used to build reliable products.ResponsibilitiesLead, coordinate, and oversee the daily activities of Level I and Level II Assembly Technicians to meet production schedules, quality requirements, and customer commitments.Assign and prioritize assembly tasks based on production schedules, material availability, technician capabilities, and manufacturing requirements.Perform and oversee the assembly, integration, inspection, and testing of complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical products.Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, bills of material, work instructions, production travelers, and technical specifications to guide assembly activities.Provide hands-on technical assistance with mechanical assembly, hardware installation, cable routing, connector installation, wiring, enclosure assembly, and system integration.Train, mentor, and evaluate technicians on assembly techniques, workmanship standards, equipment operation, safety practices, and production procedures.Monitor work in progress, identify production constraints, and coordinate with production leadership to maintain workflow and schedule performance.Verify that technicians use approved tools, torque settings, materials, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.Conduct and oversee in-process inspections and final quality checks to verify workmanship, configuration, dimensions, hardware installation, and product completeness.Coordinate functional testing, troubleshooting, rework, and repair activities using approved procedures and equipment.Identify and resolve assembly problems involving drawings, materials, component fit, workmanship, tooling, and manufacturing processes.Collaborate with engineering and quality personnel to resolve technical issues, document nonconformances, and implement corrective actions.Support prototype builds, new-product introduction, and the transition of products from engineering development into repeatable production.Develop, review, and improve assembly methods, work instructions, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing processes in collaboration with engineering and quality.Ensure accurate completion of production travelers, labor records, material usage, serial numbers, inspection results, test records, and other required manufacturing documentation.Maintain product identification, configuration control, traceability, and proper handling of conforming and nonconforming materials.Monitor production performance, workmanship quality, rework, productivity, and schedule adherence, reporting significant issues and improvement opportunities to production leadership.Promote efficient use of labor, materials, equipment, and manufacturing resources while maintaining product quality and process compliance.Maintain clean, organized, and safe assembly areas using good housekeeping and 5S practices.Enforce Kform's quality, safety, cybersecurity, export-control, and controlled-information procedures.Protect customer information, technical data, materials, and hardware.Support other manufacturing and production activities as business needs require.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.At least five years of experience in mechanical assembly, electronics assembly, electromechanical manufacturing, or a related hands-on technical environment.At least two years of experience leading, supervising, training, or coordinating assembly technicians or manufacturing personnel.Advanced ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, diagrams, bills of material, work instructions, and technical specifications.Extensive experience with assembly techniques, hand tools, power tools, torque tools, measuring instruments, and manufacturing equipment.Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex assembly and integration issues.Experience with manufacturing quality-management systems and familiarity with AS9100 requirements or comparable quality standards.Ability to identify workmanship defects, dimensional issues, material discrepancies, and process deviations.Experience coordinating work assignments, managing production priorities, and meeting manufacturing schedules.Ability to train and mentor technicians while maintaining consistent workmanship and documentation standards.Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple production activities simultaneously.Ability to follow and enforce controlled manufacturing processes, configuration requirements, and documentation procedures.Computer proficiency, including the use of digital work instructions, production records, spreadsheets, and manufacturing reporting systems.Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers, quality personnel, and production management.Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Reliable attendance and the ability to work on-site in Sterling, Virginia.Ability to meet eligibility requirements for work involving export-controlled products, technical information, or customer programs, as applicable.Preferred QualificationsExperience leading assembly teams in defense, aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, computing, robotics, or ruggedized electronic manufacturing.Experience with low-volume, high-mix manufacturing, prototype development, or new-product introduction.Experience assembling complex electromechanical systems, machined components, sheet-metal enclosures, electronic systems, cable harnesses, or ruggedized equipment.Hands-on experience with crimping, soldering, cable fabrication, wire preparation, connector assembly, and system integration.Experience using torque-controlled tools, calipers, multimeters, continuity testers, and electrical or mechanical inspection equipment.Familiarity with IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, ESD controls, or comparable workmanship standards.Experience working within an ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality-management system.Experience completing and reviewing production travelers, inspection records, nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and electronic manufacturing records.Experience developing or improving manufacturing work instructions, assembly fixtures, production tooling, and technician training materials.Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous-improvement methodologies.Experience monitoring production metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and improving manufacturing efficiency.Technical school, military technical training, apprenticeship, manufacturing certification, or related vocational education.Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing technical teams.What Success Looks LikeA successful Assembly Lead at Kform:Leads a team that consistently produces accurate, clean, and reliable assemblies.Meets production schedules without compromising workmanship, safety, or documentation requirements.Demonstrates advanced technical skills and remains actively involved in solving assembly challenges.Ensures technicians understand their assignments, have the resources they need, and follow approved manufacturing processes.Develops the skills and capabilities of Level I and Level II technicians through training, coaching, and constructive feedback.Identifies material shortages, technical issues, quality concerns, and schedule risks early enough to prevent unnecessary production disruptions.Maintains accurate production records, product traceability, configuration control, and quality documentation.Works effectively with engineering and quality teams to resolve problems and improve product manufacturability.Continuously improves assembly processes, tooling, workstation organization, and team productivity.Takes ownership of team performance, production quality, and the successful completion of assigned builds.Understands that leadership, workmanship, traceability, and schedule performance directly affect the customer's mission.Physical and Work RequirementsThis position is based in a manufacturing environment. The employee may be required to:Stand, sit, or walk between assembly and production workstations for extended periods.Frequently use hands and fingers to handle small components, tools, fasteners, and wiring.Bend, reach, kneel, and move between production work areas.Safely lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.Wear required personal protective equipment.Work around machinery, fabrication operations, electronic equipment, adhesives, and other production materials.Perform hands-on assembly activities while coordinating and supervising the work of other technicians.Work occasional overtime or flexible hours when required to support customer or production schedules.Compensation and BenefitsKform offers competitive compensation based on experience and demonstrated capability.Benefits include:Medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off and company holidays401k Retirement planTraining and professional-development opportunitiesOpportunities to lead manufacturing activities across prototype development, production, and advanced defense manufacturingFinal compensation and benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.Direct applicants only; no recruiters.Equal Employment OpportunityKform 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.You should be proficient in:Mechanical Assembly SkillsAerospace ManufacturingBlueprint Reading