Quality Engineer

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.

BladeWorks, Inc., is an engine assembly, instrumentation, and test facility within the Kratos Turbine Technologies division, launching in Bristow, Oklahoma to advance next-generation propulsion systems. This state-of-the-art operation brings together hands-on engine assembly and high-performance testing capabilities in a modern, purpose-designed environment. As one of the first team members, you'll help shape processes, culture, and innovation from the ground up. If you're ready to join a fresh, ambitious, and fast-growing aerospace operation, BladeWorks is where your next chapter begins.

This role is restricted to U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain security clearance. BladeWorks will require proof of status prior to employment.

General Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting product and process quality across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, Supply Chain, and Program execution at Technical Directions Inc. This role focuses on preventing defects, resolving nonconformances, and strengthening process capability through disciplined root cause analysis, corrective actions, and quality planning. Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Engineer works cross-functionally to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, understood, and executed throughout the product lifecycle-from design and supplier receipt through assembly, test, and delivery.

Essential Job Functions:

Product & Process Quality Engineering

• Support product quality planning and execution across Engineering and Manufacturing
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs for quality and inspection requirements
• Develop and maintain inspection plans, control plans, and acceptance criteria
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102
• Plan & perform APQP processes per AS9145
• Develop processes, procedures, & work instructions for quality and/or manufacturing

Nonconformance, RCA & CAPA Execution

• Investigate internal, supplier, and customer nonconformances (NCRs)
• Lead or support root cause analysis using 8D, A3, DMAIC, or equivalent methods
• Develop, implement, and verify effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Track NCR and CAPA status to closure and report trends

Manufacturing & Test Support

• Provide quality engineering support to Assembly & Test operations
• Support containment, disposition, and corrective action for shop-floor issues
• Partner with Manufacturing and Test Engineering to improve first-time-through yield
• Support process confirmation and standard work adherence
• Support equipment management and calibration programs
• Dimensional inspections using CMM equipment in accordance with inspection plans and drawings
• Perform manual inspections using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators)

Supplier Quality Support

• Support supplier quality activities including receiving inspection, SCARs, and QMS development
• Participate in supplier audits and performance reviews as assigned
• Verify supplier compliance with quality requirements and documentation flow-down
• Support resolution of supplier-related quality issues

Program & Customer Quality Support

• Support Program Management with quality input for program reviews and risk assessments
• Participate in customer audits, reviews, and technical discussions as required
• Support customer quality issue resolution and communication
• Ensure quality data supports program delivery commitments

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze quality metrics including NCRs, COPQ, yield, escapes, and trends
• Support development of dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility
• Identify systemic issues and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Support Lean and Six Sigma activities related to quality improvement
• Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies in support of continuous improvement initiatives

Compliance, Documentation & Governance

• Ensure compliance with AS9100D, government, customer, and internal QMS procedures
• Maintain accurate quality records and documentation
• Support internal and external audits as required
• Ensure quality data is accurate, traceable, and audit-ready

• Strong knowledge of quality engineering principles and problem-solving methods
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and aerospace quality requirements
• Experience with root cause analysis, CAPA, and inspection planning
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications (GD&T)
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, and control plan development
• Experience with statistical analysis and process capability tools
• Experience in supporting aerospace, defense, propulsion, or regulated manufacturing environments and programs is preferred
• Experience working in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments is preferred
• ASQ certifications (CQE/CQA/CSSBB) or equivalent are preferred

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline
• 5 years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality roles
• Experience supporting regulated or AS9100 environments

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, walk, and perform inspections for extended periods
• May be required to lift materials, components, or assemblies up to 50 lbs
• May require extended hours during investigations or program milestones

Work Location:

• Based in Bristow, Oklahoma, with close partnership and alignment with the Jupiter, FL facility.

Travel Requirements:

• Strong connection to Jupiter, FL facility - will be working onsite in Jupiter extensively during the first year of employment
• 0-25% as required to support suppliers, audits, customer visits, or other Kratos locations

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 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