UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Responsibilities

• Specific Responsibilities:
• Provide subject matter expertise in small UAS (Group 1-3) production and manufacturing technologies
• Perform independent technical analyses to support government PMs with insights on production scaling, manufacturability, and industrial base capacity
• Analyze production readiness, manufacturing maturity (MRL), and producibility risks associated with sUAS airframes, propulsion, avionics, sensors, and ground control systems, and provide written technical assessments
• Review and assess contractor-provided production and quality data, including quality metrics, configuration management artifacts, lot acceptance results, and corrective action documentation; provide objective observations without directing contractor actions
• Support government-led engagements with prime contractors and suppliers by preparing technical inputs, participating in production reviews and manufacturing audits, and documenting risks, issues, and observations
• Travel to contractor facilities to support test and production-related activities, including observation of developmental testing, qualification events, and production acceptance testing
• Work on‑site within the Program Office to support briefings, technical reports, and acquisition documentation, operating under government direction and oversight
• Work Environment:
• Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
• Travel Requirements: Minimal, 20-50%
• Working Hours: Standard
• Required Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production engineering, industrial engineering, or production operations supporting aerospace, defense, or small UAS systems.
• Demonstrated experience with production scaling, manufacturability, and quality control processes (e.g., lot acceptance, configuration management, corrective action systems).
• Experience supporting or interfacing with government acquisition programs or defense contractors, preferably within a program office or equivalent customer-facing role.
• Ability to perform independent technical analyses and produce concise written assessments, reports, and briefing materials for government audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel to contractor and government facilities to support production and test-related activities.
• Active DoD Secret clearance is required
• Desired Qualifications and Skills:
• Master's degree in engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Direct experience with small UAS (Group 1-3) production, sustainment, or rapid fielding programs, including attritable or low-cost systems.
• Familiarity with Air Force or DoD acquisition environments, including AFLCMC, SSC, or similar System Program Office operations.
• Experience performing or supporting manufacturing readiness assessments (MRLs), production risk reviews, or industrial base analyses.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, AS9100, or comparable quality frameworks, and their application to low-volume or high-mix production.
• Prior experience supporting test and evaluation activities, including production acceptance testing or flight test readiness from a manufacturing perspective.
• Demonstrated ability to brief technical findings to senior government leadership and translate complex manufacturing data into actionable insights.
• Top Secret clearan

Additional Information

Title: UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME) Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME) KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

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