Product Assurance Specialist

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 US 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 Product Assurance Specialist assists Quality Engineers with the design, development, and execution of quality assurance and control systems. Ensures end item deliverable products meet all customer/agency quality and functional requirements. This position will have responsibilities and assignments locally at KUAS Sacramento, Oklahoma City and/or on CONUS or OCONUS deployment sites.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in design reviews, prepares inspection plans based on drawing requirements, and compares manufacturing instructions per drawing requirements.
• Develops solutions to prevent and/or resolve product and manufacturing process non-conformances.
• Performs validation of First Articles.
• Perform process surveillance activity on product non-conformances throughout their lifecycle.
• Participates in or leads continuous improvement projects to eliminate scrap and reduce rework operations.
• Participates in or leads root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action for process related concerns.
• Supports the Quality Inspectors ensuring products and processes comply with the relevant requirements of the quality management system.
• Reviews and/or prepares documentation to support product/system delivery, including configuration and documentation verification.
• Reviews and updates Non-Conformances (NCs) based on assigned actions.
• Participates and supports internal audits conducted by KUAS Compliance Department.
• May participate and support Material Review Boards (MRBTF) on assigned programs or projects.
• Ensures safety and efficacy of manufacturing and/or maintenance operations on systems or components in accordance with manufacturer's and/or customer requirements.
• Determines acceptability and proper configuration of aircraft or other complex systems by performing routine and required validations in accordance with applicable procedures and guidelines prior to customer delivery.
• Responsible for system delivery activities which include hardware end-item acceptance with customer and or Government agencies.
• Witness product acceptance testing and supports Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), as required.
• Creates end-item acceptance reports and assures proper deliverable documentation packages are present (e.g., logbook).
• Other duties may be assigned.

In Support of Field Operations (when using KUAS owned assets):

• Assist deployment lead with identifying proper infrastructure/assets are available to support field activities including aircraft maintenance and flight operations.
• Assists with all pre-flight activities and confirms pre-flight readiness.
• Participates in post mission/operations debriefs.
• Assists in failure analysis activities, as required.
• Monitors accuracy of maintenance logs, aircraft logs and quality records.
• Attends Operational Readiness Review meetings.
• Ensures personnel are trained on critical (e.g., munitions, ordinance) pre-flight and post-maintenance inspections.
• Assists in coordination of transfer/shipment of customer/Government properties, as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

COMPENSATION:

$85,000 - $100,000 annually

Experience and Skills:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Proficient with the use of a computer, including the ability to enter and retrieve information.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and adjust to changing work priorities.
• Possesses or able to obtain US Passport/VISA.
• Holds or able to obtain US Government security clearance.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and experience with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001:2008.
• Familiar with IPC standards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of diversified maintenance and or inspection experience as an Aircraft and Power plant mechanic on fixed or rotary wing aircraft.

Preferred:

• FAA aircraft inspection certification.
• FAA Aircraft & Power Plant License or, equivalent positions/responsibilities with time-in-service in US Military.
• Experience with machining and composites manufacturing.
• Quality experience in DoD or aerospace industry.
• Experience with Government problem reporting systems.
• Experience with Government logistical support command/systems.
• Experience using Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• America Welding Society/Certified Welding Inspector.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and or manufacturing environment.
• May be exposed to possible shop hazards including high noise level, high pressure equipment, chemicals, and shop traffic.
• Must be able to perform and or supervise all activities normally found in aircraft maintenance and aircraft flight facilities.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.
• May work extended hours or weekends, including deployments which may require prolonged stays for up to 3 weeks.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May require pre-employment and annual vision exam to certify ability to conduct NonDestructive Testing per NAS410 Certification Standards.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 15% Travel required between KUAS and customer/vendor locations.

#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 Affirmative Action Employer. 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.
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 HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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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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From: Kratos Defense