Manufacturing Engineer I

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

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 INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED 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 AREiINCIDENTAL 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.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite