Manufacturing Engineer III

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 and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the 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 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Manufacturing Engineer III, you lead efforts to ensure producibility, process robustness, and intrinsic product quality across the full development and production lifecycle. You drive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA), establish and validate production processes, develop tooling and fixtures, solve complex technical challenges, and support production line setup. You also mentor junior engineers and collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize manufacturing outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Drives Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) as a core member of the product design team.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and provides subject matter expertise on critical processes.
• Establishes, monitors, and validates production processes and controls as a process owner or subject matter expert.
• Designs, develops, and implements complex fixtures, tools, and inspection gages required for fabrication and assembly.
• Supports material and resource planning and coordinates with product teams to maintain production schedules.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup activities.
• Solves complex technical problems using engineering references, inspection methods, and analytical tools.
• Collaborates with engineering disciplines and represents manufacturing engineering in cross-functional discussions.
• Performs duties consistent with Manufacturing Engineer I and II responsibilities when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly environment.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in-process verification, and validation methods.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD\&T).
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.