Quality Lead

Job Description:

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 Quality Lead is responsible for day-to-day quality execution and leadership on the shop floor and across programs , ensuring quality requirements are understood, followed, and effective. This role serves as the primary quality execution point of contact for Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Lead ensures rapid response to quality issues, disciplined containment and root cause execution, and consistent application of quality standards-bridging the Quality Management System to real-time operational execution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Daily Quality Execution & Floor Leadership

• Lead daily quality execution activities across Assembly, Test, and Receiving
• Serve as the primary Quality point of contact for shop-floor issues and questions
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with drawings, travelers, inspection plans, and procedures
• Reinforce stop-the-line authority when quality or compliance is at risk
• Plan & perform APQP processes per AS 9145
• Develop processes, procedures, & work instructions for quality and or manufacturing

Nonconformance, Containment & Issue Response

• Lead initial containment and disposition of nonconformances (NCRs)
• Coordinate immediate corrective actions to protect production flow and customer deliveries
• Support and drive root cause analysis (8D, A3, DMAIC) in partnership with other teams
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented, verified, and sustained

Manufacturing, Engineering & Program Integration

• Partner with Manufacturing to improve first-time-through yield and process adherence
• Support Engineering with quality input on design changes, build readiness, and technical issues
• Support Program Management with quality status, risks, and recovery actions
• Ensure engineering changes are correctly implemented and verified on the floor

Inspection, FAI & Acceptance Oversight

• Support and coordinate First Article Inspection (FAI) activities per AS9102
• Ensure in-process and final inspections are executed correctly and on time
• Review inspection results and escalate issues as required
• Support build and test readiness decisions from a quality standpoint
• Perform dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools in accordance with inspection plans and drawings
• Verify GD&T requirements and dimensional tolerances

Supplier & Incoming Quality Support

• Support receiving inspection and supplier quality activities
• Assist with supplier nonconformance investigations and corrective actions (SCARs)
• Ensure supplier quality issues are communicated clearly and resolved promptly
• Assist supply chain management in supplier development & perform supplier audits

Metrics, Reporting & Communication

• Track and communicate daily quality metrics (NCRs, escapes, yield, COPQ drivers)
• Provide clear quality status updates to Operations, Programs, and Quality Management
• Support quality inputs to tier meetings, MORs, and reviews
• Identify trends and escalate systemic risks

Standards, Compliance & Discipline

• Ensure compliance with AS9100D, internal procedures, and customer requirements
• Support audits, customer visits, and compliance reviews
• Reinforce disciplined execution of standard work and quality processes
• Serve as a role model for quality culture and accountability
• Partner with the QMS manager to create, train and incorporate process & procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Provides day-to-day work direction and mentoring to Inspectors and Quality Technicians
• No formal performance-management authority unless delegated
• Leads through presence, influence, and execution discipline

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong hands-on experience in manufacturing quality execution
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and aerospace quality practices
• Experience with NCR, containment, and root cause analysis
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with AS9102 (FAI), PFMEA, and control plans
• Experience leading shop-floor quality activities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related discipline
  (Equivalent experience may be considered)
• 5-8 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or inspection roles
• Demonstrated experience supporting production environments

Preferred

• ASQ certification (CQE, CQT) or equivalent
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, manufacturing, and test environments
• Frequent presence on the shop floor
• Exposure to noise, equipment, and hazardous materials
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• May be required to lift materials, components, or assemblies up to 50 lbs
• May require extended hours to support production or issue resolution

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-10% as required to support suppliers, audits, or customer visits

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

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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.

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From: Kratos Defense