Why Kform
Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer. We partner with innovators and government customers to transform designs into dependable hardware. Our integrated capabilities—engineering, machining, fabrication, electronics assembly, system integration, testing, and supply-chain support—enable rapid transitions from prototype to production.
We obsess over precision, documentation discipline, and reliability. Join us to lead builds that matter.
The opportunity
Step into a hands-on leadership role guiding a high-mix assembly operation that produces mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems for mission-critical use. You’ll coordinate daily operations, coach Level I and II technicians, and own quality, schedule, and safety.
What you will own
- Team leadership: coordinate, assign, and sequence work to hit commitments.
- Build execution: assemble, integrate, inspect, and test complex products.
- Technical interpretation: translate drawings, schematics, BOMs, work instructions, travelers, and specifications into executable tasks.
- Hands-on support: mechanical assembly, hardware install, cable routing, connector/wire work, enclosure assembly, and full system integration.
- Capability building: train, mentor, and evaluate technicians on techniques, workmanship, equipment, safety, and procedures.
- Flow management: monitor WIP, remove constraints, and align with production leadership to maintain throughput.
- Compliance: ensure approved tools, torque settings, materials, fixtures, and processes are used.
- Quality control: execute in-process and final inspections for workmanship, configuration, dimensions, hardware, and completeness.
- Test and repair: coordinate functional testing, troubleshooting, rework, and repair per approved methods.
- Problem solving: resolve issues with drawings, materials, fit, workmanship, tooling, and processes; document NCRs and implement corrective actions with Engineering and Quality.
- NPI and prototypes: support early builds and mature them into stable, repeatable production processes.
- Process improvement: develop, review, and refine methods, work instructions, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
- Manufacturing records: complete travelers, labor entries, material usage, serial numbers, inspection and test results, and all required documentation accurately.
- Configuration control: maintain identification, traceability, and proper handling of conforming/nonconforming materials.
- Performance management: track quality, rework, productivity, and schedule adherence; report risks and improvement opportunities.
- Resource stewardship: maximize labor, materials, and equipment efficiency while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Workplace excellence: sustain clean, organized, and safe areas with 5S and good housekeeping.
- Policy enforcement: uphold quality, safety, cybersecurity, export-control, and controlled-information procedures; protect customer data and hardware.
- Cross-functional support: assist other manufacturing and production activities as business needs evolve.
Required profile
- HS diploma/GED or equivalent hands-on experience.
- 5+ years in mechanical/electronics/electromechanical assembly or related technical manufacturing.
- 2+ years leading, supervising, training, or coordinating assembly/manufacturing personnel.
- Advanced capability reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, diagrams, BOMs, work instructions, and specifications.
- Extensive use of hand, power, and torque tools; precision measurement; and production equipment.
- Mechanical aptitude with a history of troubleshooting complex assembly/integration challenges.
- Experience with quality-management systems; familiarity with AS9100 or similar standards.
- Keen eye for workmanship defects, dimensional discrepancies, materials issues, and process deviations.
- Proven ability to coordinate assignments, manage priorities, and meet schedules.
- Track record training/mentoring while maintaining workmanship and documentation standards.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and capacity to juggle multiple builds.
- Comfort enforcing controlled processes, configuration, and documentation.
- Proficiency with digital work instructions, production records, spreadsheets, and reporting systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration across technicians, engineering, quality, and management.
- Demonstrated leadership, problem solving, and decision making.
- On-site reliability in Sterling, Virginia.
- Eligibility to work on export-controlled products, technical data, or programs as applicable.
Preferred experience
- Leadership in defense, aerospace, industrial, telecom, computing, robotics, or ruggedized electronics manufacturing.
- Low-volume/high-mix, prototypes, or NPI experience.
- Assembly of complex electromechanical systems, machined parts, sheet-metal enclosures, electronic systems, cable harnesses, or ruggedized equipment.
- Crimping, soldering, cable fabrication, wire prep, connector assembly, and system integration.
- Use of torque tools, calipers, multimeters, continuity testers, and inspection equipment.
- IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, ESD controls, or comparable workmanship standards.
- ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality-management systems.
- Experience with travelers, inspection records, NCRs, corrective actions, and e-manufacturing records.
- Authoring/improving work instructions, fixtures, tooling, and training materials.
- Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous-improvement practices.
- Monitoring production metrics, de-bottlenecking, and improving efficiency.
- Technical school, military technical training, apprenticeship, certifications, or vocational education.
- History of developing high-performing technical teams.
Success profile
- Outputs are precise, clean, and reliable—every time.
- Deadlines are met without trading off safety, documentation, or workmanship.
- You model expert hands-on skill and solve hard build problems.
- Team members know priorities, have resources, and follow approved processes.
- Level I/II technicians advance through your coaching and feedback.
- Material/quality/schedule risks are identified early and mitigated.
- Production records, traceability, configuration control, and quality docs are complete and accurate.
- Issues are quickly resolved with Engineering and Quality; manufacturability improves over time.
- Methods, tooling, 5S, and productivity trend upward.
- You take ownership of performance, quality, and on-time delivery.
- You understand how your team’s output supports the customer mission.
Physical and work requirements
- Stand/sit/walk between workstations for extended periods.
- Frequent hand/finger use for components, tools, fasteners, and wiring.
- Bending, reaching, kneeling, and moving across production areas.
- Lift/move up to 50 lbs safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Wear required PPE.
- Operate around machinery, fabrication, electronics, adhesives, and production materials.
- Perform hands-on assembly while supervising others.
- Occasional overtime or flexible hours to meet commitments.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation is competitive and based on experience and demonstrated capability.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and company holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Training and professional development
- Opportunities to lead across prototypes, production, and advanced defense manufacturing
Final compensation and benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.
Direct applicants only; no recruiters.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kform is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, performance, and business needs. Kform does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.
You should be proficient in:
- Mechanical Assembly Skills
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Blueprint Reading