Quality Manager (onsite San Jose, CA)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) + ESPP

PTO & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is seeking a seasoned Quality Manager to establish and maintain a comprehensive QMS compliant with AS9100 at our San Jose, CA site. You will lead quality teams across engineering, production, and supply chain, ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability for aerospace programs.

This role requires ability to obtain security clearance if needed. The candidate will drive continuous improvement, lead audits, and report metrics to executives while

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive quality management experience in aerospace/defense or precision manufacturing.
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a QMS compliant with AS9100 and regulatory requirements.
• Lead AS9100 audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop a team of quality engineers and inspectors.
• Prepare quality performance reports for leadership and stakeholders.
• Drive data-driven decision making and CAPA for quality issues.
• Support customer inspections and audits with cross-functional teams.

Skills

AS9100 knowledge

ISO 9001 knowledge

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or quality management

Tools

RCCA

CAPA

FMEA

SPC

Lean/Six Sigma

Job description

• Compensation : Salary Range: $130K-$160K
• Capabilities : Microwave & Digital Solutions
• Salary : $TBD - TBD
• Years Of Experience : 10+

Job Description

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for an experienced Quality Manager to work onsite at their San Jose, 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 Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 standards. This role ensures that all products and processes meet the rigorous quality, safety, and reliability requirements of the aerospace industry. The Quality Manager manages quality team, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures organizational compliance with industry regulations. This position works cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to strengthen quality performance, support certification activities, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance, if needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive QMS that complies with AS9100 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Define and document quality policies, objectives, procedures, and standards to ensure consistent product quality and process control.
• Coordinate and manage all activities related to AS9100 certification and periodic recertification audits.
• Prepare and present regular reports on QMS performance, audit outcomes, and key quality metrics to executive leadership.
• Monitor production processes to identify areas for optimization, efficiency improvement, and waste reduction.
• Conduct internal audits and inspections to verify adherence to quality standards and identify potential nonconformities.
• Analyze quality data, metrics, and trends to support data-driven decision-making and performance improvement.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality issues.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians.
• Set clear goals and expectations, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect.
• Promote a culture of quality awareness throughout the organization by training staff on best practices and QMS procedures.
• Identify opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the quality team.
• Serve as the primary liaison for quality-related communication between internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, supply chain, and management teams to resolve quality issues and ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Prepare, analyze, and present quality performance reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Manage and resolve customer complaints and quality concerns promptly and effectively.
• Monitor customer feedback and implement actions to enhance satisfaction and strengthen relationships.
• Support customer inspection, customer/regulatory audits, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
• Oversee supplier quality performance through audits, assessments, and corrective actions.
• Ensure supplier materials and components meet quality standards and contractual obligations
• Stay current with industry regulations, FAA requirements, and AS9100 updates to maintain organizational compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL-STD, IPC, RoHS, REACH and NADCAP standards.
• Proficiency in RCCA, CAPA, FMEA, SPC, and Lean/Manufacturing/Six Sigma is essential.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a high-performance environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on process improvement.
• Quality and Compliance Focus
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the Essential Job Functions, including computer skills with proficiency with Microsoft applications such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
• Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment and changes, and more.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance, if needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality management within aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing including 7+ years in a quality managerial role.
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification preferred.

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, as needed.

#LI-BI1Kratos
SJC - Salary Range: $130K-$160K

• 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.

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 inquiries 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.

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