Quality Manager (onsite San Jose, CA)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; 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

Disability insurance

401(k)

ESPP

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, a leader in national security technology, seeks an experienced Quality Manager to design and maintain a robust QMS onsite in San Jose, CA. The role collaborates with engineering, production, and supply chain to ensure AS9100 compliance and to drive quality improvements and certification activities.

You will lead a quality team, perform internal audits, manage CAPA/RCCA, and analyze data to support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives while ensuring security clearance

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a QMS compliant with AS9100 and regulatory requirements.
• Lead internal audits, nonconformity handling, and CAPA/RCCA processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to improve quality metrics.

Skills

AS9100

ISO 9001

CAPA

FMEA

SPC

Lean/Six Sigma

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or quality management

AS9100 Lead Auditor certification preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

SJC - Salary Range

$130K-$160K

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 ... 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.

EEO Is The Law

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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.

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