Job Information
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Quality Lead in Auburn Hills, Michigan
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.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Quality Lead is responsible for day-to-day quality execution and leadership on the shop floor and across programs, ensuring quality requirements are understood, followed, and effective. This role serves as the primary quality execution point of contact for Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Lead ensures rapid response to quality issues, disciplined containment and root cause execution, and consistent application of quality standards—bridging the Quality Management System to real-time operational execution.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Daily Quality Execution & Floor Leadership
Lead daily quality execution activities across Assembly, Test, and Receiving
Serve as the primary Quality point of contact for shop-floor issues and questions
Ensure work is performed in accordance with drawings, travelers, inspection plans, and procedures
Reinforce stop-the-line authority when quality or compliance is at risk
Plan & perform APQP processes per AS 9145
Develop processes, procedures, & work instructions for quality and or manufacturing
Nonconformance, Containment & Issue Response
Lead initial containment and disposition of nonconformances (NCRs)
Coordinate immediate corrective actions to protect production flow and customer deliveries
Support and drive root cause analysis (8D, A3, DMAIC) in partnership with other teams
Ensure corrective actions are implemented, verified, and sustained
Manufacturing, Engineering & Program Integration
Partner with Manufacturing to improve first-time-through yield and process adherence
Support Engineering with quality input on design changes, build readiness, and technical issues
Support Program Management with quality status, risks, and recovery actions
Ensure engineering changes are correctly implemented and verified on the floor
Inspection, FAI & Acceptance Oversight
Support and coordinate First Article Inspection (FAI) activities per AS9102
Ensure in-process and final inspections are executed correctly and on time
Review inspection results and escalate issues as required
Support build and test readiness decisions from a quality standpoint
Perform dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools in accordance with inspection plans and drawings
Verify GD&T requirements and dimensional tolerances
Supplier & Incoming Quality Support
Support receiving inspection and supplier quality activities
Assist with supplier nonconformance investigations and corrective actions (SCARs)
Ensure supplier quality issues are communicated clearly and resolved promptly
Assist supply chain management in supplier development & perform supplier audits
Metrics, Reporting & Communication
Track and communicate daily quality metrics (NCRs, escapes, yield, COPQ drivers)
Provide clear quality status updates to Operations, Programs, and Quality Management
Support quality inputs to tier meetings, MORs, and reviews
Identify trends and escalate systemic risks
Standards, Compliance & Discipline
Ensure compliance with AS9100D, internal procedures, and customer requirements
Support audits, customer visits, and compliance reviews
Reinforce disciplined execution of standard work and quality processes
Serve as a role model for quality culture and accountability
Partner with the QMS manager to create, train and incorporate process & procedures
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Provides day-to-day work direction and mentoring to Inspectors and Quality Technicians
No formal performance-management authority unless delegated
Leads through presence, influence, and execution discipline
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required
Strong hands-on experience in manufacturing quality execution
Working knowledge of AS9100D and aerospace quality practices
Experience with NCR, containment, and root cause analysis
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Preferred
Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or regulated manufacturing environments
Familiarity with AS9102 (FAI), PFMEA, and control plans
Experience leading shop-floor quality activities
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related discipline(Equivalent experience may be considered)
5–8 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or inspection roles
Demonstrated experience supporting production environments
Preferred
ASQ certification (CQE, CQT) or equivalent
Experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing
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 and walk for extended periods
May be required to lift materials, components, or assemblies up to 50 lbs
May require extended hours to support production or issue resolution
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- 0–10% as required to support suppliers, audits, or customer visits
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.
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Keyword: quality leadership, manufacturing quality, AS9100D, AS9145, AS9102, APQP, NCRs, root cause, 8D, DMAIC, inspection, FAI, GD&T, supplier quality, corrective actions, process adherence, audits, metrics
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
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From: Kratos Defense