UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Title:

UAS Manufacturing and Production Subject Matter Expert (SME)

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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.

Key Responsibilities:
The 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 production and manufacturing, embedded with an Air Force System Program Office to support program execution across the production lifecycle. The role focuses on analyzing production scalability, manufacturing readiness, and quality control, while supporting government engagement with prime contractors and observing test and production activities. The individual works on-site with government personnel to deliver objective technical analyses, documentation, and recommendations that inform acquisition and production decisions without exercising decision-making authority. This role requires a technically credible manufacturing SME who can objectively analyze sUAS production and quality challenges, communicate clearly and professionally with government and industry stakeholders, and operate effectively as embedded contractor support within an Air Force program office.

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 appl