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Senior Manager of Testing and Manufacturing Engineering

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a leading defense technology company specializing in uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cybersecurity, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. We serve U.S. and allied governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local agencies. By combining proven technologies with innovative methods, we deliver affordable, reliable solutions while reducing cost, schedule, and program risk.

Micro Systems, Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, develops, integrates, and supports high-performance uncrewed aerial systems, ground control systems, and autonomous vehicle technologies. At MSI, we value innovation, teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee development.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Test Team Senior Manager provides technical and operational leadership for RF Test Technicians responsible for testing, troubleshooting, and validating complex electronic assemblies and systems. This position manages test activities in production and development environments, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and in accordance with engineering, quality, and customer requirements.

Additionally, the Test Team Senior Manager establishes priorities, assigns resources, monitors performance, resolves technical and production constraints, and develops team capabilities. This position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Production Control to support new product introduction, production execution, failure analysis, and on-time delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, supervise, schedule, and coordinate the daily activities of RF Test Technicians.
• Assign personnel and equipment based on production schedules, program priorities, technician capabilities, and changing business needs.
• Monitor workflow, test throughput, work-in-process, first-pass yield, retest rates, backlog, and on-time completion.
• Provide technical leadership for the testing and troubleshooting of RF, microwave, analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronic assemblies and systems.
• Guide technicians through complex diagnostics, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification of repairs.
• Ensure test results, failures, corrective actions, and product dispositions are documented accurately and remain traceable.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Production Control, and Program Management to resolve technical, quality, resource, and schedule constraints.
• Support new product introduction and the transition of products from development into repeatable production.
• Review and interpret schematics, drawings, specifications, work instructions, test procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with Engineering to develop, validate, and improve test procedures, fixtures, equipment, software, and troubleshooting methods.
• Ensure required test equipment, tooling, documentation, software, and trained personnel are available to meet production needs.
• Analyze recurring failures and test trends and coordinate corrective or preventive actions with Engineering and Quality.
• Ensure testing complies with quality requirements, configuration controls, workmanship standards, ESD controls, safety procedures, and customer specifications.
• Oversee the availability, maintenance, repair, and calibration of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment.
• Lead continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance test efficiency, product quality, equipment reliability, capacity, and cost performance.
• Recruit, onboard, train, coach, cross-train, and develop qualified technical personnel.
• Establish performance expectations, provide feedback, conduct performance evaluations, recognize strong performance, and address performance or conduct concerns.
• Prepare staffing, training, equipment, and capital-resource recommendations based on current and projected production requirements.
• Communicate department performance, risks, resource needs, and recovery plans to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Support technical bids and proposals by providing labor estimates, equipment needs, test strategies, risks, and schedule input.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits related to testing, calibration, workmanship, and quality-system compliance.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Directly supervises RF Test Technicians, Manufacturing Engineering and may oversee other personnel temporarily assigned to support test activities. Responsibilities include work assignment, scheduling, technical direction, training, performance management, employee development, attendance management, and corrective action.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, develop, and hold accountable a technically skilled workforce.
• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing, production testing, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration processes.
• Advanced knowledge of RF and microwave test principles, including signal generation and analysis, frequency, power, noise, gain, and attenuation.
• Proficiency with RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, power meters, digital multimeters, and automated test systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronic assemblies to the component or circuit level.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, test procedures, and technical instructions.
• Knowledge of equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, traceability requirements, ESD controls, configuration management, and electronics workmanship standards.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, IPC, J-STD, or comparable aerospace, defense, and electronics quality standards.
• Strong root-cause analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, organizational, and corrective-action skills.
• Ability to manage schedules, personnel, equipment capacity, workflow, and competing priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to use production and quality data to identify trends, monitor performance, and implement improvements.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical, operational, and business functions.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information in accordance with company and government requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using ERP, MRP, manufacturing execution, calibration, or quality management systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any security clearance or government authorization required for the position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, RF Technology, or a related discipline preferred. Equivalent military training, technical certifications, education, and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in electronics testing, RF troubleshooting, repair, calibration, or a related technical environment.
• At least three years of supervisory, team-lead, or technical-lead experience in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or another regulated environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience testing and troubleshooting complex RF, microwave, analog, digital, or mixed-signal electronic systems.
• Experience leading skilled technicians who perform component-level troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Experience with low-volume, high-mix manufacturing, new product introduction, automated test equipment, Lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement preferred.
• Relevant IPC or J-STD certification preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is performed in electronics manufacturing, laboratory, and office environments.
• Requires the ability to work around electronic test equipment, manufacturing machinery, soldering operations, and ESD-controlled areas.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to inspect small electronic components, assemblies, displays, and test results and distinguish colors used in wiring and electronic components, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Occasional extended hours or adjusted schedules may be required to meet production or customer needs.

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.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

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
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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