Director of Quality (onsite San Jose, CA)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, seeks a Director of Quality to lead end-to-end quality for San Jose and Folsom sites. The role ensures products, processes, and systems meet AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements, fostering First Time Quality and cost control.

The Director partners with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management to improve performance, prevent escapes, and deploy data-driven quality management practices, with security clearance potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or related field.
• 15+ years of related experience with 10+ years in quality leadership.
• Ability to obtain security clearance if needed.
• Experience with AS9100 and supplier quality management.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute multi-site quality strategy across San Jose and Folsom.
• Lead QA, QE, Supplier Quality, and Compliance teams; manage performance for both sites.
• Maintain QMS and AS9100 certification; lead audits, management reviews, and CAPA.
• Oversee manufacturing quality, MRB, RCCA, and nonconformance actions.
• Develop KPIs and implement data-driven quality metrics.
• Represent quality in customer reviews and program reviews.

Skills

AS9100 knowledge

MIL STD 883

LEAN Six Sigma

RCCA

Excel

PowerPoint

Data analysis

Security clearance

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/Quality Management or related field

Job description

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.

SJC - Salary Range: $160K-$200K

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 affirm 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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