Engineering Manager - Launch & Production

Job Description:

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Engineering Manager - Launch & Production is responsible for bridging design engineering and manufacturing execution, ensuring products are successfully launched, industrialized, and transitioned to stable, high-rate production.

This role owns end-to-end production readiness, from design maturity through first article, rate readiness, and sustained production performance. The position leads Launch Engineering, ensuring designs are buildable, testable, scalable, and compliant, while simultaneously supporting daily production execution, technical issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

The role is accountable for achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Performance (SQDCP) targets while ensuring strict adherence to AS9100D, configuration control (EIA-649), and program requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Launch Engineering & Production Readiness

• Lead end-to-end product launch activities from engineering release through first build and rate production
• Conduct and own Production Readiness Reviews (PRR), Build Readiness Reviews (BRR), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)
• Ensure readiness of MBOMs, routings, travelers, work instructions, tooling, and test equipment
• Drive Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Test (DFT)
• Validate First Article Inspection (FAI) and initial production builds
• Establish and execute production ramp plans (J+30 / J+60 / J+90)

Engineering, Manufacturing & Test Integration

• Serve as the primary technical interface between Engineering and Operations
• Translate engineering designs into controlled, repeatable production processes
• Ensure proper EBOM to MBOM alignment and configuration control execution (ECR/ECN/ECO)
• Lead resolution of technical issues related to build, test, and configuration
• Ensure engineering changes are effectively implemented on the shop floor

Production Support & Technical Execution

• Provide direct engineering support to Assembly & Test operations
• Suppport root cause analysis (RCCA), containment, and corrective actions for production issues
• Support troubleshooting of assembly, integration, and test anomalies
• Ensure adherence to build documentation, test procedures, and acceptance criteria
• Serve as escalation point for complex technical issues impacting production

Rate Production & Industrialization

• Transition programs from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production (FRP)
• Improve throughput, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency
• Develop and implement standard work and process controls
• Ensure scalability of labor, work centers, and test capacity
• Drive repeatability and stability of production processes

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with AS9100D, QMS requirements, and customer specifications
• Enforce disciplined use of travelers, inspection points, and test documentation
• Partner with Quality on NCR, CAPA, RCCA, and audit readiness
• Maintain product traceability and configuration integrity
• Promote a strong safety culture and stop-work authority when required

Schedule, Throughput & Performance Management

• Align execution with Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program milestones
• Monitor and improve key metrics including FTT, RTY, cycle time, and OTD
• Support daily tier meetings, visual management, and performance tracking
• Develop recovery plans for schedule or performance gaps
• Provide accurate status and readiness reporting to leadership

Material Flow & Supply Chain Coordination

• Ensure alignment between engineering design and material planning requirements
• Support long-lead material identification and supplier readiness
• Resolve material-related issues impacting launch and production
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on shortages, supplier performance, and quality issues
• Ensure proper material handling, storage, and traceability

Continuous Improvement & Operating Discipline

• Drive Lean manufacturing principles, 6S, and waste elimination
• Conduct Gemba walks and process confirmation activities
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and cost
• Support development and maturity of the TDI Operating System (TDOS)
• Improve production readiness processes and engineering-to-manufacturing transitions

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead and develop Launch Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers
• Provide technical direction, coaching, and performance management
• Build cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Operations, and Quality
• Ensure team capability supports production demand and program complexity
• Reinforce accountability, ownership, and execution discipline

Metrics, Reporting & Governance

• Own and report launch and production readiness metrics
• Track performance including yield, defect rates, change cycle time, and ramp performance
• Support Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), program reviews, and customer visits
• Participate in gate reviews (G0-G5) and readiness assessments
• Ensure transparency of risks, issues, and mitigation plans

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Direct leadership over Launch Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering personnel
• Matrix leadership across Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Program teams
• Responsible for staffing, technical direction, and execution discipline
• Influences cross-functional performance across Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong expertise in Manufacturing Engineering, Launch Engineering, and production systems
• Experience transitioning products from design into production
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test procedures
• Strong leadership, communication, and structured problem-solving skills
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, etc.)
• Ability to manage ITAR and export-controlled information

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion systems, or turbomachinery
• Experience with engine assembly, integration, and test operations
• Experience scaling production from prototype to rate production
• Deep understanding of AS9100D, configuration control (EIA-649), and quality systems
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline (Equivalent experience may be considered)
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, launch engineering, or production environments
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a regulated manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Experience supporting military or government programs
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume transitioning to production scale
• Experience with production ramp and industrialization

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, manufacturing, and test environments
• Frequent presence on the shop floor and in test areas
• Exposure to noise, equipment, and hazardous materials
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform hands-on assessments for extended periods
• May be required to lift materials, components, or engines up to 50 lbs
• May require extended hours or weekend work to support launch and production activities

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 10-25% as required to support suppliers, test sites, audits, customer visits, or other company locations

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.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

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 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 a protected 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 [email protected] 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.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice
For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.






From: Kratos Defense