Director of Engineering

SUMMARY: 

The Director of Engineering for Karman Space & Defense’s Orange County Region will lead the strategic development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes across CNC Programming, Precision Machining, Weld Fabrication + EB Welding and Complex Integrations Assembly operations. This role combines hands-on engineering leadership with forward-thinking program oversight to enhance technical capability, improve execution efficiency, and support business growth.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Engineering Director will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in line with schedule and financial performance targets.

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.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Lead process advancement in machining, welding, and assembly forming technologies.
• Experience with CATIA software for Aerospace design and manufacturing.
• Develop and implement robust process controls and new manufacturing methods aligned with customer and business needs.
• Oversee tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization efforts.
• Advance engineering data business systems to support technical insight, process integration, and productivity improvements.

Team & Program Management

• Supervise cross-functional engineering teams and program staff, ensuring appropriate skill alignment and workload balance.
• Provide leadership in personnel development, mentoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate staffing and execution of project plans including cost, schedule, and technical goals.
• Own program-level results and execution standards across engineering and manufacturing interface.

Strategic Execution & Collaboration

• Support business development by aligning engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities.
• Develop proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion.
• Drive cross-site collaboration and standardization in tooling, processes, and documentation.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Required: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field)
• Preferred: M.S. in Engineering or Management

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing
• 5+ years in a leadership or engineering management role
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams
• Expertise in 
• expertise in machining, CNC programming, tool design, and related technologies. 
• Experience with ERP and advanced business systems

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must 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.  

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.

• Other Requirements:
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • U.S. citizenship required

Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance