SUMMARY:
The Design Engineer’s role is to conceptualize, design, develop, test, and support deployment of aerospace and flight worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products and systems. The primary focus of this position is leading design efforts, with an emphasis on supporting new business development efforts. Reports to the site manager.
ABOUT US:
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports the mechanical engineering group while leading in all aspects of design
- Conceptualize, design, and develop structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems in accordance with customer requirements and customary standards
- Create 2-D mechanical layout drawings and 3-D solid model conceptual drawings
- Perform required mechanical engineering calculations and analysis of designs to ensure their safe operation in meeting designated requirements
- Verify calculations and analysis work of peers and junior engineers.
- Leads design efforts on systems and sub-systems.
- Document requirements for performance, compliance with customer requirements, plans, test procedures, test reports, and any other contractual specifications
- Review designs for cost, manufacturing, and quality assurance issues
- Create formal or informal engineering drawings, bill of materials, manufacturing system requirements, and inspection/quality assurance specifications in accordance with appropriate standards and specifications
- Support manufacturing, quality assurance, assembly, testing, and deployment of designs from concept to delivery. Provide technical support internally and externally
- Support proposal/presentation preparation and business development activities
- Support bench and field-testing of mechanical elements and systems
- Mentor and resource for more junior engineers
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- B.S. or M.S. Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent in relevant experience and registration
- Typically possesses 4-7 years aerospace and/or defense experience
- Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies
- Proven experience in leading design of robust hardware
- Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications
- Proficient in SolidWorks, and experienced in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools relevant to mechanical systems design
- Must be a U.S. Citizen, and hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Minimal travel may be required for this position
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
As a federal contractor, Karman Space & Defense is committed to compliance with all federal employment eligibility requirements. We participate in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, federal compliance mandates that we require documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization upon hire.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment
Skills Required
- B.S. or M.S. Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience/registration)
- Typically 4-7 years aerospace and/or defense experience
- Proven experience leading design of robust hardware and mentoring junior engineers
- Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications
- Proficient in SolidWorks
- Experienced in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools relevant to mechanical systems design
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance
What We Do
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.







