Sub Assembly Engine Technician

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Unmanned Systems in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Subassembly Technician responsible for building, inspecting, and validating mechanical subassemblies for propulsion system production. You will follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards to provide reliable inputs to final engine assembly and test.

The role collaborates with Assembly, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure first-time-through quality, traceability, and build readiness, with flex

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on assembly experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Familiarity with torque tools, hand tools, and basic measurement equipment.
• High attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR).

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical subcomponents and subassemblies according to work instructions and drawings.
• Perform fastening, fitting, and alignment to required specifications.
• Verify correct parts, revisions, and configurations prior to build.
• Support build documentation and traveler completion.
• Perform in-process inspections to verify workmanship and conformance.
• Document inspection results and build data accurately.
• Identify and report nonconformances promptly.
• Maintain full traceability of parts, serial numbers, and build records.
• Support Engineering with feedback on build issues, fit, and manufacturability.
• Support continuous improvement in subassembly processes and tooling.

Skills

Mechanical assembly experience

Reading engineering drawings

Detail oriented

ITAR compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Torque tools

Measurement equipment

Hand tools

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Subassembly Technician is responsible for building, inspecting, and validating mechanical subassemblies and components in support of propulsion system production. This role ensures subassemblies are produced in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards, providing reliable, configuration-controlled inputs to final engine assembly and test.

Working closely with Assembly, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, the Subassembly Technician plays a critical role in first-time-through quality, traceability, and build readiness. In addition to core assembly responsibilities, this role provides flexible shop-floor support across machining, logistics, and special projects as needed to keep operations moving.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Subassembly Build & Validation

• Assemble mechanical subcomponents and subassemblies according to work instructions and drawings
• Perform fastening, fitting, and alignment to required specifications
• Verify correct parts, revisions, and configurations prior to build
• Support build documentation and traveler completion

Inspection, Quality & Traceability

• Perform in-process inspections to verify workmanship and conformance
• Document inspection results and build data accurately
• Identify and report nonconformances promptly
• Maintain full traceability of parts, serial numbers, and build records

Engineering & Manufacturing Support

• Support Engineering with feedback on build issues, fit, and manufacturability
• Support continuous improvement in subassembly processes and tooling
• Assist with first article builds and validation activities
• Support production readiness for Assembly & Test

Material, Tooling & Workstation Discipline

• Ensure materials, tools, and fixtures are available and properly used
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas in accordance with 6S standards
• Verify calibration status of tools prior to use
• Follow material handling and storage requirements

Safety, Compliance & Standard Work

• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Comply with AS9100D, QMS procedures, and standard work
• Support audits and inspections as required
• Reinforce a culture of safety, quality, and accountability

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct people management responsibility
• Executes subassembly tasks under direction of Manufacturing leadership
• Influences quality and flow through disciplined execution

Keyword: mechanical subassemblies, assembly, inspection, traceability, work instructions, torque tools, measurement equipment, AS9100D, manufacturing, quality, machining support, material handling

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on assembly experience
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions
• Familiarity with torque tools, hand tools, and basic measurement equipment
• High attention to detail and quality
• Ability to manage confidential and export‑controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing
• Familiarity with AS9100D and quality documentation requirements
• Experience building mechanical subassemblies or components

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical assembly or manufacturing

Preferred

• Technical certification or vocational training in manufacturing or mechanics
• Experience in high‑mix, low‑volume production environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Manufacturing and assembly environments
• Standing and working at benches for extended periods
• Frequent handling of components and tools
• Exposure to noise, equipment, and manufacturing materials
• May be required to lift materials, components, or subassemblies up to 50 lbs

OTHER DUTIES & FLEXIBLE SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Machining Support
  • Assist with basic machining operations under direction (e.g., deburring, drilling, light milling/lathe work, fixture setup support).
  • Support prototype, rework, and repair activities requiring in‑house machining capability.
• Shipping & Receiving Support
  • Assist with packing, labeling, and preparing engines or components for shipment.
  • Support receiving activities including part verification, staging, and material movement.
  • Help maintain material traceability and documentation accuracy.
• Non-Standard & Special Requests
  • Support special builds, customer‑specific requests, and non‑routine engineering tasks.
  • Assist with rework, recovery actions, and rapid‑response efforts tied to quality issues or schedule recovery.
  • Provide hands‑on support for development hardware, prototypes, and one‑off configurations.

These responsibilities ensure the Engine Assembly Technician contributes as a versatile execution resource, strengthening production continuity, engineering responsiveness, and quality recovery.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• None

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALIS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. 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 INCIDENT TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. 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. I THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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From: Kratos Defense