Manufacturing Manager

Job Description

The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for the Mission Success and the Manufacturing Technical Integrity of the Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services (KDRSS) assigned Sounding Rocket systems.  Responsible to the Chief Engineer and the Program Manager for all sounding rocket operations.

The Manufacturing Manager supervises the day to day operations of the manufacturing department.  Assists in the creation and upkeep of the department schedules and in the continuous improvement of department processes.

The Manufacturing Manager assists in the training of department employees. Initiates the issuance of manufacturing orders as required by programmatic schedules.  Monitors progress of assigned programs to ensure on time and within budget completion.

The Manufacturing Manager works with System Integration as a subject matter expert on specific training platforms during design, development, testing, and installations phases of the KDRSS assigned Sounding Rocket systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assigns resources; defines, tracks, and monitors schedules; directs the Manufacturing Management; and performs as a other Manufacturing Managers as necessary.
• Trains and mentors junior Manufacturing Managers & personnel, as necessary.
• Performs technical planning; system integration; verification and validation; and cost, risk, supportability, and effectiveness analyzes for total systems.
• Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical constraints.
• Supports periodic program and mission IPTs, as required.
• Supports Anomaly Investigation Boards, as required.
• Performs functional and timeline analysis, conducts detailed trade studies, allocates requirements, and conducts interface definition studies to evaluate compliance of mechanical hardware & software specifications with customer requirements.
• Analyzes effectiveness/efficiency of NASA program procedures and processes; develops/ recommends improvements.
• Prepares presentations, reports, research, and other contract deliverables.
• Participates in selected programs, events, and meetings involving staff, Government customers, and visitors.
• Works with the Safety and Mission Assurance Manager & Quality Engineer to incorporate the application of the appropriate level of ISO 9000 process improvement.
• Ability to direct and coordinate various processes essential to manufacturing procedures (e.g., training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, security, etc.).
• Ability to initiate and coordinate projects throughout the developmental and testing phases of the program, (e.g., plant layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc.).
• Ability to keep current on information and technology affecting functional areas to increase innovation and ensure compliance.
• Ability to perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned and required.

Other Job Functions

• Provides expert input and interpretation for specific training platforms in support of systems integration and manufacturing engineer to aid in requirements identification for assigned programs.
• Interfaces with end users to aid in interpreting their needs for assigned program.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Responsible for leading a team of Manufacturing Management & Personnel.
• Achieves results through leading and mentoring Manufacturing Management & Personnel.

 

This position is contingent upon contract award which is expected early 2022.

Questions and correspondence related to this opportunity should be directed to: kdrssrecruiting@kratosdefense.com

 

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Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Manufacturing Management experience in the Sounding Rocket or Ballistic Missile industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of assigned Sounding Rocket systems and related support systems.
• Knowledge of NASA & military operations.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers and engineering team members.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including MS Project for Integrated Master Schedule development and review.
• Knowledge of compliance elements for ISO, EVMS and Export regulations.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting and earned value management practices and procedures.
• Strong understanding and experience with manufacturing fundamentals.
• Presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government.
• Technical writing skills to communicate internally or externally.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• 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.
• Flexibility to handle changing requirements and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Proficient in all phases of manufacturing.
• Experience working in a represented (union) environment.

 

Additional Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally to meet department and company goals and requirements for the assigned Sounding Rocket system.
• Knowledge of KDRSS operations and procedures preferred.
• May require up to 25% travel to support technical meetings, design reviews, other reviews & meetings and launch operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• High School degree or GED with eight (8) years of professional experience including six (6) years in a position with responsibility for manufacturing within the Sounding Rocket or Ballistic Missile industries.
• Knowledge of specific Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) and White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) operations a plus.
• Experience with NASA or military rocket programs involving space domain topics.
• Well versed in navigating and interpreting technical manuals relating to area of expertise.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering and ten (10) years of professional experience including eight (8) years in a position with responsibility for manufacturing within the Sounding Rocket or Ballistic Missile industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering and fifteen (15) years of professional experience including ten (10) years in a manufacturing management position with responsibility for Sounding Rocket or Ballistic Missile experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works in a smoke free manufacturing environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand.
• Long periods of sitting as well.
• The employee frequently is required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and to climb or balance.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• SME may be expected to travel more frequently than a regular supervisor to facilitate data gather and customer relations opportunities.

Job Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Tax Savings Accounts (HSA / FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• PTO
• Education Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class.
All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
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