Sub Assembly Engine Technician

Job Description GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Subassembly Technician is responsible for building, inspecting, and validating mechanical subassemblies and components in support of propulsion system production. This role ensures subassemblies are produced in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards, providing reliable, configuration-controlled inputs to final engine assembly and test. Working closely with Assembly, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, the Subassembly Technician plays a critical role in first-time-through quality, traceability, and build readiness. In addition to core assembly responsibilities, this role provides flexible shop-floor support across machining, logistics, and special projects as needed to keep operations moving. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Subassembly Build & Validation Assemble mechanical subcomponents and subassemblies according to work instructions and drawingsPerform fastening, fitting, and alignment to required specificationsVerify correct parts, revisions, and configurations prior to buildSupport build documentation and traveler completion Inspection, Quality & Traceability Perform in-process inspections to verify workmanship and conformanceDocument inspection results and build data accuratelyIdentify and report nonconformances promptlyMaintain full traceability of parts, serial numbers, and build records Engineering & Manufacturing Support Support Engineering with feedback on build issues, fit, and manufacturabilitySupport continuous improvement in subassembly processes and toolingAssist with first article builds and validation activitiesSupport production readiness for Assembly & Test Material, Tooling & Workstation Discipline Ensure materials, tools, and fixtures are available and properly usedMaintain clean, safe, and organized work areas in accordance with 6S standardsVerify calibration status of tools prior to useFollow material handling and storage requirements Safety, Compliance & Standard Work Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirementsComply with AS9100D, QMS procedures, and standard workSupport audits and inspections as requiredReinforce a culture of safety, quality, and accountability SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY No direct people management responsibilityExecutes subassembly tasks under direction of Manufacturing leadershipInfluences quality and flow through disciplined execution Experience And Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Required Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on assembly experienceAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructionsFamiliarity with torque tools, hand tools, and basic measurement equipmentHigh attention to detail and qualityAbility to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR) Preferred Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturingFamiliarity with AS9100D and quality documentation requirementsExperience building mechanical subassemblies or components Required EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma or equivalent3+ years of experience in mechanical assembly or manufacturing Preferred Technical certification or vocational training in manufacturing or mechanicsExperience in high-mix, low-volume production environments WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Manufacturing and assembly environmentsStanding and working at benches for extended periodsFrequent handling of components and toolsExposure to noise, equipment, and manufacturing materialsMay be required to lift materials, components, or subassemblies up to 50 lbs OTHER DUTIES & FLEXIBLE SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES Machining SupportAssist with basic machining operations under direction (e.g., deburring, drilling, light milling/lathe work, fixture setup support).Support prototype, rework, and repair activities requiring in-house machining capability.Shipping & Receiving SupportAssist with packing, labeling, and preparing engines or components for shipment.Support receiving activities including part verification, staging, and material movement.Help maintain material traceability and documentation accuracy.Non-Standard & Special RequestsSupport special builds, customer-specific requests, and non-routine engineering tasks.Assist with rework, recovery actions, and rapid-response efforts tied to quality issues or schedule recovery.Provide hands-on support for development hardware, prototypes, and one-off configurations. These responsibilities ensure the Engine Assembly Technician contributes as a versatile execution resource, strengthening production continuity, engineering responsiveness, and quality recovery. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS None 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 Job Benefits Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement 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. EEO Is The Law 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 inquires 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. Job Applicant Privacy Notice For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.