Engineering Manager i Launch Production

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Engineering Manager Launch & Production is responsible for bridging design engineering and manufacturing execution, ensuring products are successfully launched, industrialized, and transitioned to stable, high-rate production.

This role owns end-to-end production readiness, from design maturity through first article, rate readiness, and sustained production performance. The position leads Launch Engineering, ensuring designs are buildable, testable, scalable, and compliant, while simultaneously supporting daily production execution, technical issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

The role is accountable for achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Performance (SQDCP) targets while ensuring strict adherence to AS9100D, configuration control (EIA-649), and program requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB

FUNCTIONSLaunch Engineering & Production ReadinessLead end-to-end product launch activities from engineering release through first build and rate productionConduct and own Production Readiness Reviews (PRR), Build Readiness Reviews (BRR), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)Ensure readiness of MBOMs, routings, travelers, work instructions, tooling, and test equipmentDrive Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Test (DFT)Validate First Article Inspection (FAI) and initial production buildsEstablish and execute production ramp plans (J+30 / J+60 / J+90)Engineering, Manufacturing & Test IntegrationServe as the primary technical interface between Engineering and OperationsTranslate engineering designs into controlled, repeatable production processesEnsure proper EBOM to MBOM alignment and configuration control execution (ECR/ECN/ECO)Lead resolution of technical issues related to build, test, and configurationEnsure engineering changes are effectively implemented on the shop floorProduction Support & Technical ExecutionProvide direct engineering support to Assembly & Test operationsSuppport root cause analysis (RCCA), containment, and corrective actions for production issuesSupport troubleshooting of assembly, integration, and test anomaliesEnsure adherence to build documentation, test procedures, and acceptance criteriaServe as escalation point for complex technical issues impacting productionRate Production & IndustrializationTransition programs from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production (FRP)Improve throughput, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiencyDevelop and implement standard work and process controlsEnsure scalability of labor, work centers, and test capacityDrive repeatability and stability of production processesSafety, Quality & ComplianceEnsure compliance with

AS9100D, QMS

requirements, and customer specificationsEnforce disciplined use of travelers, inspection points, and test documentationPartner with Quality on NCR, CAPA, RCCA, and audit readinessMaintain product traceability and configuration integrityPromote a strong safety culture and stop-work authority when requiredSchedule, Throughput & Performance ManagementAlign execution with Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program milestonesMonitor and improve key metrics including FTT, RTY, cycle time, and OTDSupport daily tier meetings, visual management, and performance trackingDevelop recovery plans for schedule or performance gapsProvide accurate status and readiness reporting to leadershipMaterial Flow & Supply Chain CoordinationEnsure alignment between engineering design and material planning requirementsSupport long-lead material identification and supplier readinessResolve material-related issues impacting launch and productionCoordinate with Supply Chain on shortages, supplier performance, and quality issuesEnsure proper material handling, storage, and traceabilityContinuous Improvement & Operating DisciplineDrive Lean manufacturing principles, 6S, and waste eliminationConduct Gemba walks and process confirmation activitiesLead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and costSupport development and maturity of the TDI Operating System (TDOS)Improve production readiness processes and engineering-to-manufacturing transitionsTeam Leadership & Workforce DevelopmentLead and develop Launch Engineers and Manufacturing EngineersProvide technical direction, coaching, and performance managementBuild cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Operations, and QualityEnsure team capability supports production demand and program complexityReinforce accountability, ownership, and execution disciplineMetrics, Reporting & GovernanceOwn and report launch and production readiness metricsTrack performance including yield, defect rates, change cycle time, and ramp performanceSupport Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), program reviews, and customer visitsParticipate in gate reviews (G0iG5) and readiness assessmentsEnsure transparency of risks, issues, and mitigation plans

SUPERVISORY

RESPONSIBILITYDirect leadership over Launch Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering personnelMatrix leadership across Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Program teamsResponsible for staffing, technical direction, and execution disciplineInfluences cross-functional performance across

Operations, Engineering, and Supply ChainKeyword:

Manufacturing engineering, launch engineering, production readiness, DFMA, DFT, AS9100D, configuration control, MBOM, EBOM, FAI, RCCA, Lean, Six Sigma, ERP, MRP, industrialization, FRP,... For full info follow application link. Kratos is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos 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.