KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.
Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.
Innovation, precision, and mission‑critical performance define the work at Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc., and the Manufacturing Engineer plays a central role in bringing that standard to life. Based in Johnstown, PA, this position serves as a key technical liaison between Manufacturing, Manufacturing Test, Quality Assurance, and Development Engineering, ensuring seamless collaboration across the full product lifecycle. The Manufacturing Engineer drives process improvements, resolves production challenges, strengthens test and quality alignment, and translates engineering intent into efficient, repeatable, and highly reliable manufacturing outcomes. This is an opportunity to influence how advanced defense technologies are built, validated, and delivered—directly contributing to the trusted systems Kongsberg provides to customers around the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Perform routine process audits.
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Investigates unusual conditions or undesirable trends.
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Performs designed experiments and capability studies, develop process specifications, and design and procure process tooling.
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Evaluate processes, identify issues and recommend best practices associated with manufacturing.
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Able to problem solve and recommend solutions to complex issues in collaboration with global team.
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Analyze new processes and equipment with the intent of achieving continuous improvement of present methods.
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Develop process documentation on new processes, materials and equipment.
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Prepare assembly methods from review of engineering design packages.
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Determine special and general tooling, and the evaluation, acquisition and implementation of capital equipment, with assistance from senior level engineers.
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Troubleshoot general production problems and interface with Engineering and Quality Assurance departments when problems occur.
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Assist in the development and maintenance of layout drawings using AutoCAD, as needed.
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Assist in set up of manufacturing for new and existing product lines.
EQUIPMENT USED IN JOB:
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Servo Systems controls and hydraulics
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Machine Vision
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Solidworks or AutoCAD
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Assorted commercial test equipment
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Robotics
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Associate’s degree required.
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred.
OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:
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Lean/Six Sigma certification is preferred but not required for hire.
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Experience in evaluating risks and lessons learned for test, integration and field activities.
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Follow established confidentiality policy, safety standards, or applicable regulations.
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Ability to work as part of a team.
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Organizational skills.
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Knowledge of analysis and testing of systems is helpful.
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Knowledge of circuitry and programming.
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Knowledge of AutoCAD/Solidworks preferred, but not required.
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Knowledge of internet/e-mail, presentation software, spreadsheet software and word processing software.
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Must be able to obtain a U.S. Passport; valid driver’s license is required.
MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:
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Concentration/attentiveness, high level of record keeping, independent judgment and discretion, manage multiple projects/tasks, read and comprehend instructions/work orders.
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Bend/reach, hear, lift/move up to 50 pounds, see, sit, use hands to type or handle objects. Ability to work with fine detail and distinguish color.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
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Typical manufacturing environment, lab and office setting. Occasionally work over 40 hours per week. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as required, including but not limited to composite toe and Electro Static Discharge (ESD) footwear; Electro Static Discharge (ESD) Smocks.
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Some travel may be necessary as required, both domestic and international.
Job Type: Full-time
Pre-employment Requirements:
KDA, Inc. requires all candidates to successfully complete a pre‑employment physical, drug and alcohol screening, and a background investigation as part of the hiring process.
Benefits:
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Schedule:
980 schedule
Education:
Associate’s degree required.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred.
Training:
6 months (+)
Work Location:
In Person – Johnstown, PA
