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.

BladeWorks, Inc., is an engine assembly, instrumentation, and test facility within the Kratos Turbine Technologies division, launching in Bristow, Oklahoma to advance next-generation propulsion systems. This state-of-the-art operation brings together hands-on engine assembly and high-performance testing capabilities in a modern, purpose-designed environment. As one of the first team members, you’ll help shape processes, culture, and innovation from the ground up. If you’re ready to join a fresh, ambitious, and fast-growing aerospace operation, BladeWorks is where your next chapter begins.

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. BladeWorks will require proof of status prior to employment.

General Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving quality processes to ensure aerospace products meet internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality assurance teams to resolve issues, prevent non-conformances, and drive continuous improvement across the production lifecycle. As lead, this role will also encompass responsibilities of an internal quality engineer.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as interface between the organization and its suppliers, fostering strong, professional partnerships while maintaining firm quality expectations.
• Work to improve and ensure current processes are “purpose built” for high-rate production of small gas turbines and components used in the products.
• Streamline and automate nonconformance system.
• Work with the software & systems team to integrate elements of NCPR, PAPs, part number and serial number tracking, flowed down quality requirements from contracts, and overall quality requirements into the systems.
• Investigate supplier-related nonconformances, drive root cause analysis, and verify effective, corrective, and preventive actions.
• Support new supplier onboarding, supplier development programs, and production readiness reviews.
• Track supplier and internal performance metrics (OTD, quality escapes, defect rates) and report trends to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical methods.
• Lead PFMEA, PPAP, control plans, and risk management activities for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to optimize design-for-quality practices.
• Provide technical support to assembly facility to resolve quality issues in real time.
• Review supplier quality plans, inspection criteria, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation.
• Establish inspection standards, testing requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead supplier audits (remote and onsite), including qualification, performance monitoring, corrective actions, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and regulatory/customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain QMS procedures and documentation; support internal and external audits; and analyze quality data to implement process controls that reduce defects and improve yield.
• Other job duties as assigned.

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements
• Experience with FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and APQP methodologies
• Familiarity with root-cause analysis tools
• Experience with NPI, or supplier development programs
• Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT), special processes, or composites is a plus
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment
• Continuous improvement mindset and collaborative approach

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office and manufacturing environment
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, rotating wrist, using tools/equipment)

Travel Requirements: May require occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or test facilities.

Work Location:

• Based in Bristow, OK (located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
• Strong connection to Jupiter, FL facility – will be working onsite in Jupiter extensively during the first year of employment