QA Manager

Kratos Microwave, Inc., a Kratos' company, is looking for a QA Manager to work onsite at their Placerville, CA location.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions-always striving to do the right thing.

Kratos offers medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 standards. This role ensures that all products and processes meet the rigorous quality, safety, and reliability requirements of the aerospace industry. The Quality Manager provides strategic leadership to the quality team, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures organizational compliance with industry regulations. This position works cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to strengthen quality performance, support certification activities, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance, if needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive QMS that complies with AS9100 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Define and document quality policies, objectives, procedures, and standards to ensure consistent product quality and process control.
• Coordinate and manage all activities related to AS9100 certification and periodic recertification audits.
• Prepare and present regular reports on QMS performance, audit outcomes, and key quality metrics to executive leadership.
• Monitor production processes to identify areas for optimization, efficiency improvement, and waste reduction.
• Conduct internal audits and inspections to verify adherence to quality standards and identify potential nonconformities.
• Analyze quality data, metrics, and trends to support data-driven decision-making and performance improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality issues.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians.
• Set clear goals and expectations, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect.
• Promote a culture of quality awareness throughout the organization by training staff on best practices and QMS procedures.
• Identify opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the quality team.
• Serve as the primary liaison for quality-related communication between internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, supply chain, and management teams to resolve quality issues and ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Prepare, analyze, and present quality performance reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Manage and resolve customer complaints and quality concerns promptly and effectively.
• Monitor customer feedback and implement actions to enhance satisfaction and strengthen relationships.
• Support customer and regulatory audits, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
• Oversee supplier quality performance through audits, assessments, and corrective actions.
• Ensure supplier materials and components meet quality standards and contractual obligations
• Stay current with industry regulations, FAA requirements, and AS9100 updates to maintain organizational compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL-STD, IPC, SAE, RoHS, REACH and Nadcap standards.
• Proficiency in RCCA, CAPA, FMEA, SPC, and Lean/Manufacturing/Six Sigma is essential.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a high-performance environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on process improvement.
• Quality and Compliance Focus
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the Essential Job Functions, including computer skills.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
• Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment and changes, and more.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance, if needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field required or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree; Master's degree preferred. 5-10 years of progressive experience in quality management within aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing. AS9100 Lead Auditor certification preferred.

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Hourly Rate of Pay or Base Annual Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00