Quality Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks a Quality Engineer to support the QMS, perform audits, and drive continuous improvement across engineering, test, and operations at the Crane facility.

The role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of ISO 9001, and the ability to support a fast-paced aerospace environment with DoD requirements. Collaboration with multiple teams and suppliers is essential.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001.
• Ability to perform internal audits, documentation reviews, and compliance assessments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration in cross-functional environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the QMS per ISO 9001 standards.
• Conduct internal quality audits, process assessments, and configuration control checks.
• Develop, review, and control quality documentation including procedures and records.
• Support CAPA processes and verify effectiveness.
• Review engineering docs, test reports, and build records for quality compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering and test teams to embed quality in designs and processes.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor quality oversight.

Skills

QMS knowledge

Audits

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

DoD clearance

Documentation

Education

Bachelor in Quality/Industrial/Systems Engineering

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Engineer supports safety and mission assurance activities across all engineering, integration, test, and operational areas of the facility. This role assists in implementing, maintaining, and improving the Quality Management System (QMS); conducting audits; performing root?cause analyses; and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, DoD, customer, and internal quality requirements. The Quality Engineer works under the direction of the Safety & Mission Assurance Manager and collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to ensure that quality standards are incorporated into designs, processes, test activities, and documentation throughout the system lifecycle. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to support a fast-paced, multi?disciplinary aerospace environment.

Job Description

LOCATION

• Crane, IN

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PRIMARY

• Support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Conduct internal quality audits, process assessments, and configuration control checks to ensure compliance across engineering and facility operations.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and controlling quality documentation including procedures, work instructions, forms, and quality records.
• Support Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes, including root?cause analysis, containment, corrective action planning, and verification of effectiveness.
• Review engineering documentation, test reports, and build/assembly records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering and test teams to ensure quality considerations are integrated into designs, processes, and test setups.
• Support supplier and subcontractor quality oversight, including documentation reviews and compliance checks.

SECONDARY

• Participate in risk management and mission assurance activities including identification of quality-related hazards and tracking mitigation actions.
• Assist with QMS document library control and updates.
• Support quality metrics tracking, trend analysis, and reporting to identify systemic issues or opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct inspections and verifications of hardware, assemblies, and configurations as needed to support test and integration activities.
• Assist with training personnel on quality procedures, documentation practices, and configuration control requirements.
• Coordinate with internal teams, government partners, and subcontractors on quality expectations and compliance matters.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Limited supervisory responsibility

Experience and Skills

JOB SKILLS

Required

• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and standards such as ISO 9001.
• Ability to perform internal audits, documentation reviews, and compliance assessments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional engineering environments.
• Strong attention to detail and consistent documentation practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred

• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or high-reliability quality processes.
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 19011 auditing practices, or similar quality frameworks.
• Experience with supplier quality oversight or subcontractor coordination.
• Background in testing, manufacturing, or engineering support environments.
• Quality-related certifications (e.g., CQE, CQA) are a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2–5 years of experience in quality engineering, mission assurance, or a similar quality-focused role.
• Experience supporting engineering, testing, manufacturing, or aerospace/defense operations preferred.
• Experience with documentation control, audits, or QMS administration is desirable.

Travel

• Up to 10%

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed across office, laboratory, integration, test, and facility operational environments. The Quality Engineer supports activities involving engineering development, test operations, and hardware handling, requiring adherence to strict safety, quality, and configuration control standards. The role involves collaboration with engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and government personnel, as well as periods of hands‑on inspection, auditing, and process verification in active technical areas.

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 affirmatives. 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.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.