Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Supplier Quality Engineer I - II

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM or equivalent experience.
  • 1 year of experience in a manufacturing-related engineering role for SQE I; 3 years for SQE II, ideally in a quality-related position.
  • Proficient in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action methods.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with quality management systems.
  • Knowledge of GD&T, FMEA, DOE, and statistical process control.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee quality assurance for vendor-supplied parts and manage vendor control processes.
  • Perform audits and maintain the Approved Supplier List through supplier interactions.
  • Support receiving and inspection activities, certifying processes with First Article Inspection (FAI).
  • Facilitate vendor corrective actions and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
  • Implement and maintain quality management systems according to AS9100 standards.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects and drive quality enhancements across the supply chain.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional growth in a multi-disciplined work environment.
  • Engagement with vendors and direct involvement in quality assurance processes.
  • Involvement in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance skills and experience.
  • Exposure to complex aerospace manufacturing and quality systems.
  • Dynamic role requiring analytical and problem-solving capabilities across multiple functions.
Full Job Description
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will oversee quality assurance activities with regard to vendor-supplied parts. Develops and maintains vendor control process for parts, including assessing supplier capability, flow down of contractual requirements, assisting vendors in understanding engineering & quality requirements, supporting the receiving & inspection process, and facilitating returns when there are failures. Works to reduce and prevent or resolve supplier-related non-conformances. The SQE is a generalist, always mindful of contractual ramifications, and is relied upon by the company to make the right assurance decisions, calling in experts as needed. Requires a multi-disciplined approach, working at a minimum with Supply Chain, Program Management, Internal Quality Professionals, Engineering, as well as vendor-side contacts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Supports Vendor Product Manufacturing
    • Performs periodic audits, actively participating in strategic development & maintaining the Approved Supplier List (ASL) through interaction with the supply base.
    • Supports Receiving & Source inspection activities including certifying manufacturing processes through First Article Inspection (FAI) Review
    • Recommends disposition of discrepant hardware in Receiving Inspection
    • Performs containment analysis to identify suspect part population(s), as required
    • Facilitates corrective actions from vendors, such as issuing Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), when vendor-caused defects are discovered.
    • Verifies objective evidence of supplier corrective actions.
  • Implements and maintains quality management system to AS9100 Standards
    • Maintains company quality documentation.
    • Creates new and makes updates to existing Receiving Inspection plans, as required
    • Reviews documentation to support product delivery and meet traceability requirements.
    • Tracks, reports, and utilizes Supplier Quality metrics to identify systemic supplier issues, targeting areas for improvement, and facilitates correction for below standard Vendor performance.
    • Assists with containing issues when discrepancies or failures are discovered.
  • Drives Company Improvements through
    • Leading Continuous Improvement Projects commensurate to QE Experience/Level
  • Other duties may be assigned.


Supplier QE I
  • Functions as described in Essential Job Functions, above.


Supplier QE II
  • Assist in defining inspection tooling using knowledge of GD&T and tooling/gauging concepts.
  • Leads containment, root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts and plans.
  • Provides technical guidance to internal customers.
  • Assigns proper quality codes in ERP system based on contract/ design requirements.
  • Participates in pre-contract award design reviews and identifies potential shortfalls.
  • Development & Update of Departmental Work Instructions.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
  • None

COMPENSATION: $80,000 - $100,000

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:
  • Self-directed professional with strong verbal and written communications skills; able to interact effectively with peers and supervisors, and with external parties, such as customers, suppliers & service providers, and regulators, as required.
  • Root cause analysis skills; proficient in corrective/preventative action methods and processes
  • Strong Microsoft Office Suite tools with intermediate to advanced Excel skills required.
  • Ability to read and interpret design drawings, schematics and military specifications.
  • Ability to think analytically and produce analysis using data, measurements, and other information to reach logical conclusions, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities effectively.
  • Ability to close actions and meet deadlines assigned.
  • Ability to lead and/or contribute to Continuous Improvement projects, as required.
  • Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.


Preferred:
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other certifications, e.g. CQA, CSP, Six Sigma: CSSGB, CSSBB
  • Familiarity and exposure to AS9100 and ISO systems; Exemplar Global Auditor Credentials a plus!
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in composites fabrication methods, machining, flight control/avionics systems, and aerospace assembly methods.
  • Knowledge of turbine engine technology and manufacturing. Knowledge of advanced propulsion is a plus.
  • Knowledge of gauging methodology and metrology
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design of Experiments (DOE/DOX)
  • Aerospace Industry Quality Assurance experience
  • Demonstrated skills in statistical analysis, process control, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Strong project management skills
  • Active Security Clearance


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

SQE I
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 1 year experience as an engineer or in a decision-making role at a manufacturing related company. Internship, Co-Op, or other work experiences may be considered.

SQE II
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience as an Engineer at a manufacturing related company, preferably in a Quality Profession-related role.


WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Office and/or manufacturing environment
  • Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones)
  • May be exposed to possible shop hazards including high noise level, high pressure equipment, chemicals, and shop traffic.
  • Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
  • May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • 15% - 50% Travel required between KUAS and vendor locations, depending on circumstance.


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

About Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, solutions, and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Kratos Government Solutions, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety & Security. The Kratos Government Solutions segment offers microwave electronic products, satellite communications, training systems, modular systems, and defense and rocket support services. The Unmanned Systems segment provides unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne, as well as command, control, and communications systems. The Public Safety & Security segment designs, engineers, deploys, operates, integrates, maintains, and operates security and surveillance solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, government, and commercial customers. The company serves national security related agencies, the department of defense, intelligence agencies, and classified agencies, as well as international government agencies and domestic and international commercial customers; and critical infrastructure, power generation, power transport, nuclear energy, financial, IT, healthcare, education, transportation, and petro-chemical industries, as well as government and military customers. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Size
3,300 employees
Market Cap
$1.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.6 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$747.6 million
NASDAQ

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