Quality Engineer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer to support product and process quality across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Programs at Auburn Hills, MI.

The role emphasizes preventing defects, root cause analysis, CAPA, and quality planning throughout the lifecycle from design through delivery. Candidates should have 5+ years in quality roles, AS9100 experience, GD&T proficiency, and ITAR handling capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in quality engineering or manufacturing quality roles.
• Experience in regulated AS9100 environments is required.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support quality across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, Supply Chain, and Programs.
• Prevent defects, resolve nonconformances, and drive CAPA.
• Lead inspection planning and read/interpret drawings and specs (GD&T).
• Communicate quality requirements and ensure product lifecycle compliance.

Skills

Quality engineering principles

AS9100D & aerospace quality

Root cause analysis & CAPA

GD&T reading & interpretation

Process capability & statistics

Documentation & communication

ITAR handling

DFMEA & PFMEA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CMM equipment

Job description

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting product and process quality across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, Supply Chain, and Program execution at Technical Directions Inc. This role focuses on preventing defects, resolving nonconformances, and strengthening process capability through disciplined root cause analysis, corrective actions, and quality planning.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Engineer works cross-functionally to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, understood, and executed throughout the product lifecycle—from design and supplier receipt through assembly, test, and delivery.

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong knowledge of quality engineering principles and problem-solving methods
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and aerospace quality requirements
• Experience with root cause analysis, CAPA, and inspection planning
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications (GD&T)
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, and control plan development
• Experience with statistical analysis and process capability tools

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or regulated manufacturing environments
• ASQ certification s (CQE/CQA/CSSBB) or equivalent

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality roles
• Experience supporting regulated or AS9100 environments

Preferred

• Experience supporting government or defense programs
• Experience working in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments
• Dimensional inspections using CMM equipment in accordance with inspection plans and drawings
• Perform manual inspections using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators)

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, manufacturing, and test environments
• Frequent presence on the shop floor
• Exposure to noise, equipment, and hazardous materials
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections for extended periods
• May be required to lift materials, components, or assemblies up to 50 lbs
• May require extended hours during investigations or program milestones

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0–15% as required to support suppliers, audits, customer visits, or other Kratos locations

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classfication. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

A review of this classification has excluded the marginal functions of the classification that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform this job proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

• 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 a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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