Supplier Quality Engineer I - II

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

Life/AD&D & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to manage quality assurance for vendor-supplied parts. This role involves conducting audits, supporting inspections, and maintaining quality systems to AS9100 Standards. The ideal candidate should have a STEM degree and experience in engineering, particularly in a manufacturing environment.

The position promises opportunities for growth within a dynamic company committed to delivering quality and innovative solutions to customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1 year experience as an engineer or in a decision-making role at a manufacturing-related company.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an Engineer at a manufacturing-related company for SQE II.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality assurance activities for vendor-supplied parts.
• Support vendor product manufacturing through audits and inspections.
• Implement and maintain a quality management system to AS9100 Standards.
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Root cause analysis skills

Intermediate to advanced Excel skills

Ability to read design drawings and military specifications

Analytical thinking

Ability to meet deadlines

Continuous Improvement projects leadership

Maintain confidential information

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline

Job description

General Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will oversee quality assurance activities for vendor‑supplied parts. The SQE develops and maintains the vendor control process for parts, including assessing supplier capability, flowing down contractual requirements, assisting vendors in understanding engineering & quality requirements, supporting the receiving & inspection process, and facilitating returns when failures occur. The SQE works to reduce and prevent or resolve supplier‑related non‑conformances and acts as a generalist, mindful of contractual ramifications, and is relied upon to make the right assurance decisions.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports Vendor Product Manufacturing
  • Performs periodic audits, actively participating in strategic development & maintaining the Approved Supplier List (ASL) through interaction with the supply base.
  • Supports Receiving & Source inspection activities including certifying manufacturing processes through First Article Inspection (FAI) Review.
  • Recommends disposition of discrepant hardware in Receiving Inspection.
  • Performs containment analysis to identify suspect part population(s), as required.
  • Facilitates corrective actions from vendors, such as issuing Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), when vendor‑caused defects are discovered.
  • Verifies objective evidence of supplier corrective actions.
• Implements and maintains a quality management system to AS9100 Standards
  • Maintains company quality documentation.
  • Creates new and updates existing Receiving Inspection plans, as required.
  • Reviews documentation to support product delivery and meet traceability requirements.
  • Tracks, reports, and utilizes Supplier Quality metrics to identify systemic supplier issues, target areas for improvement, and facilitate correction for below‑standard Vendor performance.
  • Assists with containing issues when discrepancies or failures are discovered.
• Drives Company Improvements through
  • Leading Continuous Improvement Projects commensurate to QE Experience/Level.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supplier QE I

• Functions as described in Essential Job Functions, above.

Supplier QE II

• Assist in defining inspection tooling using knowledge of GD&T and tooling/gauging concepts.
• Leads containment, root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts and plans.
• Provides technical guidance to internal customers.
• Assigns proper quality codes in ERP system based on contract/ design requirements.
• Participates in pre‑contract award design reviews and identifies potential shortfalls.
• Development & Update of Departmental Work Instructions.
• Onsite.

Experience & Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Required

• Self‑directed professional with strong verbal and written communication skills, able to interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and external parties such as customers, suppliers, service providers, and regulators.
• Root cause analysis skills; proficient in corrective/preventative action methods and processes.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite tools with intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, schematics, and military specifications.
• Ability to think analytically and produce analysis using data, measurements, and other information to reach logical conclusions, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to close actions and meet deadlines assigned.
• Ability to lead and/or contribute to Continuous Improvement projects.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.

Preferred

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other certifications such as CQA, CSP, Six Sigma (CSSGB, CSSBB).
• Familiarity and exposure to AS9100 and ISO systems; Exemplar Global Auditor credentials a plus.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in composites fabrication methods, machining, flight control/avionics systems, and aerospace assembly methods.
• Knowledge of turbine engine technology and manufacturing; knowledge of advanced propulsion is a plus.
• Knowledge of gauging methodology and metrology.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design of Experiments (DOE/DOX).
• Aerospace industry quality assurance experience.
• Demonstrated skills in statistical analysis, process control, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Strong project management skills.
• Active Security Clearance.

Education and Experience

Required

Successive levels build upon identified education and experience listed for prior level(s). Advanced degrees may be a factor when determining the level of position.

SQE I

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1 year experience as an engineer or in a decision‑making role at a manufacturing‑related company. Internship, Co‑Op, or other work experiences may be considered.

SQE II

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Engineer at a manufacturing-related company, preferably in a Quality Profession‑related role.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key, phones).
• May be exposed to possible shop hazards including high noise level, high‑pressure equipment, chemicals, and shop traffic.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

• 15% – 50% travel required between KUAS and vendor locations, depending on circumstance.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/AD&D & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

EEO and Employment Information

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Veterans, 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

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.

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