UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert; SME

Job Title

UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME)

UAS Manufacturing and Production SME reports to the R&D Portfolio Manager within the Air Force Acquisition Operating Unit (AFA OU). The SME provides contractor support as a subject matter expert in small UAS (Group 1–3) production and manufacturing, embedded with an Air Force System Program Office to support program execution across the production lifecycle.

• 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; 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.

• 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.

• 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 clearance with ability to obtain SCI/SAP is desired.

Location:

Wright‑Patterson AFB, Ohio

Travel Requirements:
Minimal, 20–50%

Working Hours:

Standard

• 401K plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and AD&D coverage
• Flexible spending account
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off and flexible work schedule
• Professional training and development opportunities

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.