Product Engineer

Job Descriptions:

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed 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.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Integration Engineer - Production, Integration & RCCA SME is a hybrid engineering role responsible for managing the integration of multi-discipline engineering deliverables including requirements flow down and definition, production process engineering, and product lifecycle execution, with a specialized focus as the technical Subject Matter Expert for Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA).

This role ensures that design intent, system integration, production execution, and corrective action discipline are tightly aligned. The Integration Engineer works across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, Quality, and Program teams to integrate components into subsystems and systems, stabilize production processes, resolve technical issues, and prevent recurrence of defects or failures.

This role requires a self-starter, the ability to work autonomously with limited guidance, leveraging cross functional Subject Matter Experts to support Root Cause analysis or continuous process improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Product Integration

• Lead component-to-subsystem-to-system integration across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software domains

• Author and manage system engineering requirements to maintain linkages throughout the systems development lifecycle V-model

• Define and maintain system architectures, interface definitions, and integration strategies

• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and system integration documentation

• Ensure system integration readiness across design, build, test, and production phases

• Own and maintain Failure Mode Effects and Analysis documentation at the system, subsystem and component levels

Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) - SME

• Serve as the technical owner and SME for Root Cause and Corrective Action across Engineering and Manufacturing

• Lead structured problem-solving using RCCA, 8D, A3, and fault-tree methodologies

• Drive cross-functional investigations for design, process, test, and supplier-related issues

• Ensure corrective actions address root cause, are verified for effectiveness, and prevent recurrence

• Capture and institutionalize lessons learned into standards, design guidelines, and process controls

Customer & Program Technical Interface

• Serve as a technical interface for system integration, production readiness, and corrective action topics

• Support customer reviews, readiness reviews, and issue-resolution discussions

• Translate customer requirements, issues and field feedback into engineering and process improvements

Production Process Engineering

• Support as a Production Process Engineer supporting build readiness, manufacturability, and process capability

• Partner with Manufacturing to define, validate, and improve production processes, tooling, and work instructions

• Support first-article builds, new product introductions, and production transitions

• Identify and eliminate sources of variation impacting quality, yield, and flow

Product Engineering & Configuration Ownership

• Support product lifecycle management including design changes, configuration control, and release readiness

• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)

• Ensure EBOM/MBOM alignment and design-to-production consistency

• Maintain traceability across PLM, ERP, MES, and QMS systems

Verification, Validation & Test Support

• Support system-level verification and validation activities

• Assist Test Engineering with troubleshooting, diagnostics, and failure analysis

• Ensure test findings are fed back into design, process, and corrective actions

• Support development of test procedures related to integration and process validation

• Identify development/validation techniques to reduce risk at the component-to-subsystem-to-system levels, utilizing the appropriate technique at the respective level of hardware assembly

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design Engineering, Test, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain

• Support Program Management with technical risk assessments and mitigation plans

• Align engineering execution with operational priorities and delivery commitments

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct people-management responsibility

• Provides technical leadership through influence and subject-matter expertise

• May mentor junior engineers or technicians in integration, process engineering, and RCCA practices

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong foundation in systems engineering, mechanical/electrical integration, or production engineering

• Demonstrated experience with system integration and production process engineering

• Deep expertise in Root Cause Corrective Action methodologies

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills

• Ability to work across design, manufacturing, test, and quality domains

• Clear technical communication skills for internal and customer-facing environments

• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or complex engineered systems

• Familiarity with AS9100D, configuration management, and regulated production environments

• Experience with PLM, ERP, MES, and QMS integration

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume production environments

• Experience using Red X, OpEx, Design for Six Sigma, FMEA

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Manufacturing, or related discipline)

• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, production engineering, or product engineering roles

Preferred

• Master's degree in Engineering

• Experience supporting customer-facing programs and corrective action reviews

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, laboratory, manufacturing, and test environments

• Frequent interaction with production hardware, test equipment, and integrated systems

• May require extended hours during issue resolution or production ramp activities

• Ability to work in and around active production and test areas

• May be required to lift materials, components, or equipment up to 50 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-20% as required to support production, test events, customer reviews, or other Kratos 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

Keyword: integration engineering, systems engineering, RCCA, 8D, A3, fault tree, production process engineering, system integration, ICDs, FMEA, PLM, ERP, MES, QMS, manufacturability, validation, troubleshoot

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.

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From: Kratos Defense