Composite Assembler I-III

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is hiring for the role of Composite Assembler in Oklahoma City, OK. The position involves trimming, grinding, drilling, and sanding composite parts, as well as supporting various fabrication tasks. Candidates should have a high school education or equivalent and ideally some hands-on experience in manufacturing. The role places a strong emphasis on compliance with safety standards and quality systems, aiming for a zero-defects approach. Competitive benefits including medical, dental, and a 401(k) plan are offered.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years hands-on experience in composite manufacturing for levels II and III.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience with vacuum bagging and various forms of lamination repair for level III.

Responsibilities

• Trim, grind, drill and sand composite parts to precise dimensions.
• Operate shop-related machinery and perform various fabrication techniques.
• Ensure compliance with QMS procedures and safety directives.

Skills

Basic Math Skills

Ability to operate equipment

Use of powered tools

Ability to follow processes

Understanding Quality System

Adherence to Safety procedures

Education

High school education or equivalent

Tools

Pneumatic tools

Common hand tools

Job description

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 sub‑scale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

General Job Summary

Trims, grinds, drills and sands composite parts to precise dimensions. Mixes and applies appropriate adhesives to bond parts.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs a variety of tasks, which require knowledge of fabrication techniques, materials, tools and equipment.
• Follows FOD (foreign object prevention) practices.
• Interprets and follows manufacturing orders.
• Operates shop related machinery including, but not limited to, ovens, pneumatic tools, common hand tools and scales.
• Handles, applies, stores and disposes of composite materials, adhesives, sealants, resins and solvents.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as "right‑the‑first‑time" approach.
• Inspects finished products for conformance to specifications.
• May work from verbal instructions.
• Complies with established safety directives.
• Maintains a clean work area and ensures strict adherence to the 5S Standards.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Composite Assembler I

• Works under close supervision.
• May work from engineering drawings.
• Prepares, abrades and bonds composite and metal‑to‑composite assemblies.
• Rivets both solid and blind rivets.
• May install electronic components.
• Performs hand layout of features for trimming and drilling in parts or assemblies.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.
• Typical qualifications:
• Basic Math Skills.
• Documentation – skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Basic Computer Skills.
• Ability to differentiate between various types of composite materials.
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read, follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non‑powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.
• Ability to understand and follow Kratos’ Quality System.
• Adherence to all Safety procedures.

Composite Assembler II

• Works under limited supervision.
• May work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, manuals and/or appropriate engineering direction.
• Prepares, abrades and bonds composite and metal‑to‑composite assemblies.
• Rivets both solid and blind rivets.
• May install electronic components.
• Performs hand layout of features for trimming and drilling in parts or assemblies.
• Capable of performing wet layups.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.
• Trains and mentors new employees in proper trimming, abrading and bonding techniques, with supervisory approval.
• Typical qualifications:
• Intermediate Math Skills.
• Documentation – skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Computer Skills.
• Materials Knowledge.
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read, interpret and follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non‑powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.
• Ability to understand and follow Kratos’ Quality System.
• Adherence to all Safety procedures.
• Consistently performs to established production standards.

Composite Assembler III

• Works under minimal supervision.
• Meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards.
• Ability to work at any work center in the department.
• Trains and mentors new employees in proper trimming, abrading and bonding techniques.
• May fabricate prototype parts from sketches.
• Typical qualifications:
• Advanced Math Skills.
• Documentation – skills in reading and writing various forms of documentation.
• Computer Skills.
• Materials Knowledge.
• Ability to operate equipment used within department.
• Ability to read, interpret and follow processes and procedures.
• Ability to use powered and non‑powered tools to perform cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.
• Ability to understand and follow Kratos’ Quality System.
• Adherence to all Safety procedures.
• Normally exceeds standard production hours.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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 the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Use of hand tools and powered/non‑powered tools for cutting, grinding, drilling of composite materials.
• Use of a tape measure and precision measuring devices.
• Read, interpret and follow processes and procedures.
• Understand and follow Kratos’ Quality System.
• Adherence to all safety procedures.

Education and Experience

• Composite Assembler I – High school education or equivalent; hands‑on experience in manufacturing production.
• Composite Assembler II – High school education or equivalent; 2‑3 years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing.
• Composite Assembler III – High school education or equivalent; 5+ years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing; experience with vacuum bagging and various forms of lamination repair.

Preferred

• Composites background is a plus.
• Experience with aircraft fuselage is a definite plus.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key, phones).
• 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

• None.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/AD&D & 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 Aff. Act. Employer. EOE. Minorities, Females, Veterans, Disabled, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity are among the protected classes. 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.