Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

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 range from the U.S. federal government to foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, affordability is a cornerstone; we leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions.

Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, specializes in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective uncrewed aerial systems and self‑driving trucks. As a mid‑tier defense contractor, MSI has demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems that support National Security.

At MSI, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team cultivates a supportive, dynamic workplace that fosters creativity, promotes professional development, and honors personal and family lives. Join us and help shape the future of autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today.

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, working closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to maintain schedule integrity, data accuracy, and strong manufacturing readiness.

The Manufacturing Engineer role is foundational and serves 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.

• 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.
• Participate in engineering and manufacturing reviews and communicate effectively as a technical contributor.
• Familiar with the automated optical inspection (AOI) process.
• Generate, review, and maintain cost, schedule, and technical performance operational targets and standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to determine inspection criteria and methods.
• Strong communication skills.

• 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.
• Implement Manufacturing and/or Engineering Change Orders.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.