Composite Assembler I-III (Swing Shift)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan

ESPP

PTO & Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in Oklahoma City, OK, is seeking a Composite Assembler to fabricate and bond composite and metal-to-composite parts to tight tolerances. You may read engineering drawings and operate shop equipment, following safety and quality procedures.

Position requires swing shift availability and precise workmanship. Training is provided; opportunities exist for skills growth in laminate and assembly techniques within a dynamic defense technology environment.

Qualifications

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing production.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings.
• Willingness to work swing shift (3:00pm–1:30am).

Responsibilities

• Fabricate composite parts to precise dimensions.
• Bond parts using adhesives.
• Operate shop machinery and hand tools.
• Follow safety directives and maintain 5S standards.
• Inspect finished products for conformance to specifications.

Skills

Basic Math

Attention to detail

Hand tools

Tape measure

Reading drawings

Education

High school education or equivalent

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:

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.

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.

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• None.
• Swing Shift is 3:00pm - 1:30am, Monday - Thursday

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Each successive level of Composite Assembler builds on the identified knowledge, skills and abilities listed for the previous level(s) Composite Assemblers.

• 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.

Composite Assembler I

• Must be able to demonstrate accurate basic math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate good attention to detail resulting in the production of high-quality parts.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to use hand tools.
• Must be able to demonstrate the accurate use of a tape measure.
• Precise measuring experience is a plus.
• Typical qualifications for this level include:
• 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 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.

Composite Assembler II

• Must be able to perform basic lamination repairs.
• Must be able to use precision measuring devices.
• Typical qualifications for this level include an intermediate level of:
• 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 perform to established production standards.

Composite Assembler III

• Must be able to use precision measuring devices.
• Interpret and work from Industry Specs.
• Handle a great deal of repair work.
• Train and mentor other Assemblers.
• Be proactive to look for process improvement ideas.
• Typical qualifications for this level include an advanced level of:
• 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required

Composite Assembler I

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience in manufacturing production.

Composite Assembler II

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• 2-3 years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing.

Composite Assembler III

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• 5+ years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing.
• Experience with Vacuum Bagging, and various forms of Lamination repair.

Preferred

Composite Assembler I-III

• Composites background is a plus.
• Experience with aircraft fuselage 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).
• 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:

• None.

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

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Aff\ritative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. 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.

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