Director of Quality (onsite Folsom, CA)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Folsom (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k)

ESPP

PTO

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Microwave, a Kratos company, seeks a Director of Quality to lead the end-to-end quality function at San Jose and Folsom, CA. The role focuses on zero-defect performance, data-driven quality management, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering and Program Management.

15+ years in quality, including 10+ years in leadership, AS9100/aerospace experience, and the ability to obtain security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field and 15+ years of related experience including 10+ years in a quality managerial role.
• AS9100 knowledge and certification maintenance are essential.
• Experience with LEAN Six Sigma and RCCA methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute multi-site quality strategy across San Jose and Folsom.
• Lead Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality and Compliance teams.
• Own the site QMS and AS9100 certification; lead audits and CAPA actions.
• Ensure manufacturing processes meet military and company standards; guide continuous improvement.
• Develop, publish, and monitor Quality KPIs; implement data-driven metrics.
• Oversee supplier qualification and performance monitoring; manage RCCA with suppliers.
• Represent Quality in customer interactions, program reviews, and reporting.
• Hire and develop a high-performing quality organization.

Skills

LEAN Six Sigma

RCCA

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Security clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or quality management

Job description

• Compensation : Salary Range: $150K-$190K
• Capabilities :
• Salary : $TBD - TBD
• Years Of Experience : 15+

Job Description

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for a Director of Quality to lead the end-to-end qualify function across their San Jose,CA and Folsom, CA locations.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions—always striving to do the right thing.

Kratos offers medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

General Job Summary

The Director of Quality leads the end-to-end quality function across KMI’s San Jose and Folsom sites, ensuring products, processes, and systems meet AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role establishes a culture of First Time Quality, customer intimacy, predictability & automation, and cost control; and drives continuous improvement through standardized, capable, and reproducible processes across both facilities.

The Director of Quality partners closely with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management teams to strengthen operational performance, prevent quality escapes, improve supplier performance, and deploy data‑driven quality management practices (such as SPC) that improve reliability and accelerate throughput. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance, if needed.

Essential Job Functions

Quality Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute a multi site quality strategy aligned to Kratos Quality Operations priorities; standardize processes and controls across San Jose and Folsom to achieve zero defect performance.
• Lead Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Compliance teams; set objectives, allocate resources, and manage performance for both sites.

Quality Management System (QMS) & Certifications

• Own the site QMS and maintain adequate aerospace certification (AS9100) for KMI; lead audits, management reviews, and corrective actions; ensure conformance to customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Oversee development and implementation of manufacturing, inspection, test, and evaluation standards and processes.

Operations Integration & Production Support

• Ensure manufacturing processes and products conform to military and company standards; proactively partner with Engineering and Production to resolve issues and guide continuous improvement.
• Lead MRB operations, nonconformance management, and RCCA (e.g., 5 Why’s, Fishbone) to drive sustainable elimination of defects.
• Develop, maintain, and publish Quality KPIs; implement digital thread practices, serialized tracking, and data‑driven metrics to manage quality performance at scale.

Supplier Quality & Industrial Base

• Oversee supplier qualification, incoming inspection, and performance monitoring; ensure integrity of RF/microwave components, electronics, and specialized hardware.
• Lead supplier RCCA and on ramping pathways; qualify alternates for long lead items to reduce supply chain risk.

Program & Customer Support

• Represent KMI Quality in customer interactions, program reviews, audits, and reporting; ensure program specific quality control plans meet SOW requirements; support affordability and producibility goals.

People Leadership

• Hire, train, mentor, and/or develop a high performing quality organization; delegate assignments and set operational objectives; effective and efficient communication and continuous learning.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Well versed in ISO and AS industry standards; deep command of AS9100 requirements and certification maintenance. AS9145 experience is desired.
• Well versed in MIL STD 883 and IPC JTD 001 (IPC J STD 001) for electronics and high rel manufacturing.
• Experience with LEAN Six Sigma methodology; adept at driving measurable process improvements.
• RCCA proficiency (e.g., 5 Why’s, Fishbone); expert at leading complex cross functional investigations.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint; strong data analysis capability a plus.
• Space Hi Rel requirements experience considered a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information per company/government requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills; communicates and interacts effectively with peers, leadership, and customers while following company policies.
• Willingness to learn and utilize company technology for required purposes (training, policy attestations, etc.).
• Seasoned domestic business traveler.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions; thrive in a fast paced environment; maintain role appropriate competencies.
• Ability to obtain a Security Clearance, if needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field and 15+ years of related experience including 10+ years in a quality managerial role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office, production/manufacturing and outside environments
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Standing, walking, bending and reaching.
• Maybe required to lift up to 20 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes, between San Jose and Folsom locations, and to suppliers/customers as needed.

• 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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy,genetic information, disability, status as aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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