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 FUNCTIONS
Launch Engineering & Production Readiness
Lead end-to-end product launch activities from engineering release through first build and rate production
Conduct 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 equipment
Drive Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Test (DFT)
Validate First Article Inspection (FAI) and initial production builds
Establish and execute production ramp plans (J+30 / J+60 / J+90)
Engineering, Manufacturing & Test Integration
Serve as the primary technical interface between Engineering and Operations
Translate engineering designs into controlled, repeatable production processes
Ensure proper EBOM to MBOM alignment and configuration control execution (ECR/ECN/ECO)
Lead resolution of technical issues related to build, test, and configuration
Ensure engineering changes are effectively implemented on the shop floor
Production Support & Technical Execution
Provide direct engineering support to Assembly & Test operations
Suppport root cause analysis (RCCA), containment, and corrective actions for production issues
Support troubleshooting of assembly, integration, and test anomalies
Ensure adherence to build documentation, test procedures, and acceptance criteria
Serve as escalation point for complex technical issues impacting production
Rate Production & Industrialization
Transition programs from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production (FRP)
Improve throughput, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency
Develop and implement standard work and process controls
Ensure scalability of labor, work centers, and test capacity
Drive repeatability and stability of production processes
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with AS9100D, QMS requirements, and customer specifications
Enforce disciplined use of travelers, inspection points, and test documentation
Partner with Quality on NCR, CAPA, RCCA, and audit readiness
Maintain product traceability and configuration integrity
Promote a strong safety culture and stop-work authority when required
Schedule, Throughput & Performance Management
Align execution with Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program milestones
Monitor and improve key metrics including FTT, RTY, cycle time, and OTD
Support daily tier meetings, visual management, and performance tracking
Develop recovery plans for schedule or performance gaps
Provide accurate status and readiness reporting to leadership
Material Flow & Supply Chain Coordination
Ensure alignment between engineering design and material planning requirements
Support long-lead material identification and supplier readiness
Resolve material-related issues impacting launch and production
Coordinate with Supply Chain on shortages, supplier performance, and quality issues
Ensure proper material handling, storage, and traceability
Continuous Improvement & Operating Discipline
Drive Lean manufacturing principles, 6S, and waste elimination
Conduct Gemba walks and process confirmation activities
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and cost
Support development and maturity of the TDI Operating System (TDOS)
Improve production readiness processes and engineering-to-manufacturing transitions
Team Leadership & Workforce Development
Lead and develop Launch Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers
Provide technical direction, coaching, and performance management
Build cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Operations, and Quality
Ensure team capability supports production demand and program complexity
Reinforce accountability, ownership, and execution discipline
Metrics, Reporting & Governance
Own and report launch and production readiness metrics
Track performance including yield, defect rates, change cycle time, and ramp performance
Support Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs), program reviews, and customer visits
Participate in gate reviews (G0iG5) and readiness assessments
Ensure transparency of risks, issues, and mitigation plans
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Direct leadership over Launch Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering personnel
Matrix leadership across Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Program teams
Responsible for staffing, technical direction, and execution discipline
Influences cross-functional performance across Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain
Keyword: 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.
