Supplier Quality Engineer I - II

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Roseville (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to manage quality assurance for vendor-supplied parts. Key duties include conducting audits, supporting inspections, and resolving supplier-related issues. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and experience in quality assurance within manufacturing.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain and engineering teams to ensure compliance with quality standards and drive continuous improvements. Competitive salary and robust benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience as an engineer or in a manufacturing role.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings.
• Proficient in corrective/preventive action methods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality assurance activities with vendor-supplied parts.
• Support vendor product manufacturing and inspections.
• Implement and maintain quality management systems.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

Strong verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Continuous Improvement project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline

Tools

GD&T

ERP systems

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the U.S. military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

General Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will oversee quality assurance activities with regard to vendor‑supplied parts. Develops and maintains vendor control process for parts, including assessing supplier capability, flow down of contractual requirements, assisting vendors in understanding engineering & quality requirements, supporting the receiving & inspection process, and facilitating returns when there are failures. Works to reduce and prevent or resolve supplier‑related non‑conformances. The SQE is a generalist, always mindful of contractual ramifications, and is relied upon by the company to make the right assurance decisions, calling in experts as needed. Requires a multi‑disciplined approach, working at a minimum with Supply Chain, Program Management, Internal Quality Professionals, Engineering, as well as vendor‑side contacts.

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 quality management system to AS9100 Standards
  • Maintains company quality documentation.
  • Creates new and makes updates to 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, targeting areas for improvement, and facilitates 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Compensation

$80,000 - $100,000

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

• Self‑directed professional with strong verbal and written communications skills; able to interact effectively with peers and supervisors, and with external parties, such as customers, suppliers & service providers, and regulators, as required.
• Root cause analysis skills; proficient in corrective/preventative action methods and processes.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite tools with intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.
• 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, as required.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.

Preferred:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other certifications, e.g. 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

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.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS 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 INCIDENTAL 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. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES.

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

Equal Opportunity / EEO

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affi… 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.

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