Jobs at Karman Space & Defense

Executive leader responsible for multi-site aerospace manufacturing operations, production strategy, NPI oversight, budget and CapEx/OpEx management, supply chain and S&OP integration, quality and regulatory compliance (AS9100/ISO9001/NADCAP), and development of plant managers and manufacturing engineering teams to scale production of complex flight hardware.

Lead business development and corporate strategy for Space and Defense markets (Space & Launch, Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles). Drive sales growth for integrated subsystem solutions, manage and inspire the BD team, develop market/product growth strategies, pursue government and prime-contractor relationships, and represent the company at meetings and conferences. Frequent travel to engage key customers.

Set up and operate CNC and waterjet machines to produce space and defense parts per drawings and STP files, perform inspections, deburring, material handling, maintain tooling, cleanliness, and troubleshoot production issues.

Program and develop machining processes using Mastercam for complex precision components; design fixtures and 3–5 axis machining strategies; troubleshoot shop-floor machining, tooling, and quality issues; interpret CMM and inspection data; mentor machinists and standardize CAM/process documentation through production release and continuous improvement.

Support design-to-production transition by developing producible designs, BOMs, work instructions, fixtures, and inspection gages. Assist prototype builds, coordinate material flow and vendor quality, maintain Epicor BOM data, and work closely with technicians to monitor fabrication and production processes.

Support mechanical system development for aerospace and defense programs through conceptual design, prototyping, test planning/execution, data collection/analysis, and demonstration. Assist multidisciplinary teams across design verification, fabrication, and system testing while contributing to proposals and project performance.

Lead programs ensuring cost, schedule, and technical objectives are met for mechanical and pyrotechnic systems. Manage engineering design, analysis, testing, documentation, supplier coordination, customer interactions, project planning, tracking, and support business development and team mentoring.

Serve as HR partner for assigned business units in a multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. Provide strategic and operational HR leadership supporting workforce planning, organizational design, talent processes, employee relations, compliance with government contracting requirements, onboarding/offboarding, and integration of acquired businesses. Partner closely with operations, engineering, program leadership, legal, and corporate HR centers of excellence. Travel up to 10%.

Lead preparation and filing of quarterly and annual SEC reports (10-Q/10-K); draft financial statements, notes, MD&A, and technical accounting memos; oversee equity and stock-based compensation accounting; prepare consolidated cash flows; support month/quarter close, SOX compliance, audits, and cross-functional coordination; drive process improvements and system enhancements.

Lead enterprise talent acquisition strategy, operating model, and recruiting teams. Partner with executives on workforce planning, manage recruiting programs, vendors, and technology, improve recruiter capability, oversee hiring metrics and governance, and ensure compliance, candidate experience, and consistent hiring practices.

Lead end-to-end proposal and quote lifecycle for a defense market segment: ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, build schedules, coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, contracts, pricing), execute capture process and gate reviews, manage proposal content libraries, and drive pipeline reporting and continuous improvement to deliver on-time, winning submissions.

Lead and grow manufacturing engineering across sites to optimize processes, tooling, and production readiness for complex aerospace products. Drive continuous improvement, NPI readiness, process validation, PFMEAs, and cross-functional alignment with operations, quality, programs, and supply chain. Evaluate automation and capital investments, report KPIs, and support audits and customer requirements.

Lead business development for tactical missiles and integrated defense systems: own customer relationships, capture strategy, proposals, CRM and financial forecasting, coordinate with engineering and PM, drive sales growth and KPIs, negotiate contracts, and represent the company at industry events.

Lead the enterprise technology PMO to drive disciplined execution across M&A integration, portfolio governance, roadmap prioritization, PMO standards, cross-functional program delivery, compliance alignment, executive reporting, and value realization.

Lead enterprise-wide supply chain strategy and execution including sourcing, demand planning, supplier management, receiving/inspection, and cross-functional integration to ensure resilient, cost-effective supply supporting production and growth.

Lead internal and external communications for a multi-site aerospace and defense company. Develop employee alignment, media relations, executive storytelling, crisis communications, and data-driven measurement. Produce executive speeches, presentations, press materials, and manage cross-functional communication programs to strengthen reputation and engagement.

Oversee and optimize production operations including scheduling, inventory management, shop order preparation, coordination with planning/warehouse/engineering/quality, vendor coordination, tracking internal/external jobs, performing inspections, and operating production machinery to meet schedules and quality standards.

Lead design of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems from concept through deployment. Create 2D layouts and 3D models, perform calculations and analyses, produce engineering drawings/BOMs, support manufacturing/testing, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to proposals and business development.

Lead transition of designs into production ensuring manufacturability and product quality. Develop work/build instructions, BOMs, fixtures, tools, and inspection gages. Validate and monitor fabrication/process controls, plan workflow and shop layout, coordinate suppliers and supplier quality, assist prototype builds, and support materials/process evaluations within AS9100/ISO quality systems.

Support multidisciplinary engineering team to design, prototype, test, and demonstrate aerospace and defense mechanical systems. Assist with test planning/execution, data collection and analysis, documentation, and proposal support. Work hands-on across conceptual design, fabrication, verification testing, and system development to meet program requirements.