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.
Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, uncrewed arial systems and self-driving trucks. As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems to support National Security.
At MSI, 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 autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today!
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Develops and improves manufacturing processes within an electronics production environment to increase throughput, quality, and efficiency. Establishes disciplined, scalable processes that support a Factory?of?the?Future operating model.
Manages engineering changes and leads new product introductions, ensuring accurate BOMs, routings, and process documentation. Defines work standards, production workflows, and resource needs for assigned programs.
Applies and promotes Lean Manufacturing principles across all stages of electronics production, including PCB assembly, mechanical assembly, testing, and final integration. Works closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to maintain schedule integrity, data accuracy, and strong manufacturing readiness.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The Manufacturing Engineer role is foundational and will serve as the single point of ownership for manufacturing process engineering, standard work, and continuous improvement across production and test operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who has experience building manufacturing systems in growing or transitioning environments. The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Manufacturing Engineers. Each level of Manufacturing Engineer has additional duties and responsibilities listed:
Manufacturing Process Engineering
Establish and maintain controlled manufacturing processes with defined process windows
Develop and validate reflow oven profiles and thermal processes
Engineer assembly processes for RF, SMT, and bottom-terminated components
Refine conformal coating processes for fine-pitch and sensitive interfaces
Creates or participates in engineering and manufacturing reviews and communicates effectively as a technical contributor
Familiar with the automated optical inspection (AOI) process
Responsible to generate, review, and maintain cost, schedule, and technical performance operational targets and standards
Collaborates with Quality Engineering to determine inspection criteria and methods
Strong communication skills
Standard Work & Documentation
Develop, maintain, and own qualified and auditable work instructions
Convert tribal knowledge into standardized, repeatable manufacturing processes
Ensure work instructions accurately reflect best-known build practices
Implements Manufacturing and/or Engineering Change Orders
Yield, Quality & Test Support
Partner with Test Engineering to eliminate manufacturing-induced failures at the source
Analyze yield, defect, and rework data to drive root-cause corrective actions
Reduce variability and escapes through process improvements and error prevention
Factory of the Future Enablement
Lead layout, flow, and material handling optimization initiatives
Support transition to cell-based manufacturing concepts where applicable
Build scalable manufacturing systems to support future automation and growth
Capital & Tooling Justification
Evaluate tooling and equipment needs using statistical and ROI-based methods
Develop data-driven justifications for capital investments (e.g., rework equipment)
Support implementation and validation of new equipment and tools
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None
Required Experience:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Requires BS degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
4-6 years of progressive/technical experience in electronics manufacturing, RF assemblies, or mixed-technology builds
Hands-on experience developing manufacturing processes and work instructions
Ability to analyze data and drive root-cause problem solving
Strong collaboration skills with Production, Test, Quality, and Supply Chain
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship)
Strong knowledge of IPC-610
Experience with ISO 9001 / AS9100
Strong knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environments
Experience in lean manufacturing, standard work, and flow optimization
Experience supporting or justifying capital equipment investments
Exposure to Factory of the Future, digital manufacturing, or automation initiatives
Experience with digital and analog electronics
RF Technology to include RF component placement
Familiar with the pull-down process for RF circuit boards
Familiar with BGA placement and replacement techniques
CATIA v5 / Auto CAD
Knowledge of Military Standards
Experience using AI
Builder mindset - comfortable creating structure where none exists
Practical and hands-on, not purely theoretical
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Standing on a hard surface, walking. Some lifting (not over 50 lbs.)
Office and manufacturing environment
May work extended hours or weekends
Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes
Comfortable working in a fast-growing, evolving environment
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
0-10% may be required between other KUSD locations or vendor facilities
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
LI-Onsite
Keyword: manufacturing engineering, process improvement, lean manufacturing, PCB assembly, SMT, RF assembly, AOI, work instructions, NPI, BOMs, routings, root cause, automation, tooling, quality
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
