Advanced Manufacturing Technician I-III

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.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, 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 unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Manufactures complex products by using various technologies and manufacturing methods. Works under minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs a variety of tasks, which require an in depth knowledge of composite drone production processes including; lamination, bonded assembly, finishing, subassembly, final assembly and test.

• Complies with established safety protocols.
• Follows FOD (Foreign Object Prevention) practices.
• Interprets and follows manufacturing orders.
• Trims, grinds, drills and sands composite parts to precise dimensions.
• Mixes and applies appropriate adhesives and bonds components to form sub-assemblies.
• Prepares, abrades and bonds composite and metal-to-composite assemblies.
• Performs electronic assembly soldering, crimping, splicing, harness fabrication, and control panel building.
• May work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, manuals and/or verbal engineering direction.
• May fabricate prototype parts from engineering sketches.
• Prepares products for vacuum bagging (pre-preg).
• Operates shop related machinery including, but not limited to: ovens, autoclaves, vacuum equipment, pneumatic tools, common hand tools, motorized and non-motored tools, multi-meters, electronic test equipment, torque wrenches and scales.
• Handles, applies, stores and disposes of composite materials, adhesives, sealants, resins and solvents per proper hazardous waste disposal policy.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as iright-the-first-time approach.
• Inspects finished products for conformance to specifications.
• Complies with established QMS policies and procedures.
• Provide training and direction to new employees.
• Infrequent travel to support customer sites may be required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• May provide general direction to team members where assigned.
• Provide Training to new technicians in area of expertise.

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Must be 100% flexible in job assignment.
• Must be willing to shift attention to new assignment with short notice.
• Must meet safety, quality, delivering and cost objectives.
• Ability to work in any production area within the manufacturing plant.
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics.
• Ability to troubleshoot failures at various levels of the manufacturing process.
• Ability to use automated test equipment.
• Ability to perform required repairs as directed by Engineering and Management.
• Must be able to perform complex lamination repairs.
• Must be able to demonstrate accurate math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Must be able to demonstrate the accurate use of measurement equipment.
• Ability to differentiate between various types of composite materials.
• Ability to operate equipment used within various departments.
• Ability to interpret and work from industry standards and military specifications.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules as outlined in the employee handbook.
• Be proactive to identify and communicate process improvement ideas.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.

Advanced Manufacturing Technician I:

1. Works under limited supervision.
2. Demonstrates a basic understanding of aircraft drawings and schematics.
3. Proficiently executes basic FOD (Foreign Object Prevention) practices.
4. Expert in one area of manufacturing ranging from Lamination, bonded assembly, finish, mechanical assembly, Avionics Assembly, or test.
5. Assists others during manufacturing process.
6. Assists senior advanced manufacturing technicians with installation of components during lamination, bonding, and aircraft buildup at Fuselage and Aircraft Assembly levels.

Advanced Manufacturing Technician II:

1. Works under limited supervision.
2. Assembles aircraft parts and sub-assemblies.
3. Works under limited supervision.
4. Ability to read and understand drawings.
5. Proficiently executes basic FOD (Foreign Object Prevention) practices.
6. Expert in one area of manufacturing and proficient in one other area (Lamination, bonded assembly, finish, mechanical assembly, Avionics Assembly, or test).
7. Leads others during manufacturing process.
8. Works with other technicians with installation of components during lamination, bonding, and aircraft buildup at Fuselage and Aircraft Assembly levels.

Advanced Manufacturing Technician III:

1. Works under minimal supervision.
2. Ability to read and understand Drawings.
3. Train and mentor other technicians.
4. Perform prototype work with minimal documentation.
5. Ability to create process and work instructions to transfer prototype parts to production.
6. Ability to set routing hour and part work standards for routings.
7. Assists in the troubleshooting of aircraft as needed.
8. Demonstrates the ability to perform required repairs as directed by Engineering and Supervision.
9. Expert in two or more areas of manufacturing.
10. Ability to train other less experienced personnel.
11. Subject matter production expert for functional area.
12. Follows ATP (Aircraft Test Procedure) practices.
13. Consistently performs at or above established production standards.
14. Can perform troubleshooting subsystems and system level tests.

Preferred:

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Requires experience with aircraft manufacturing.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in composite manufacturing.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in electromechanical assembly.
• Experience with vacuum bagging and various forms of lamination repair.
• Experience with general aircraft assembly.

Preferred:

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-5% - May be required between KUAS locations.