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.
In this role, you support quality engineering activities across design, development, testing, qualification, and production for aerospace structures and systems. You ensure robust quality planning, drive inspection methodologies, support customer reviews, and help resolve issues that impact product performance and compliance. Your work strengthens program execution, supports continuous improvement, and ensures that delivered hardware meets stringent technical and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Determines and executes quality plans for aerospace structures and systems throughout development and production.
- Implements new quality inspection methodologies to support evolving program needs.
- Supports customer design review activities to ensure quality requirements are fully addressed.
- Performs in‑process inspections during fabrication and assembly, including AS9102 First Article inspections.
- Prepares Technical Data Packages documenting hardware deliverables.
- Reviews purchase orders for accuracy and correct contractual, project, and quality flow‑downs.
- Generates and resolves Corrective Action Reports and Non‑Conformance Reports.
- Leads failure investigations to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
- Performs supply chain risk analysis to ensure supplier quality and program continuity.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems quality engineering.
- In‑depth understanding of testing, inspection, quality issues, and certification of aircraft systems, including composite aero structures.
- Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation.
- Expert knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems quality engineering
- In-depth understanding of testing, inspection, quality issues, and certification of aircraft systems, including composite aerospace structures
- Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation
- Expert knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems
- Current U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
Karman Space & Defense Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Karman Space & Defense and has not been reviewed or approved by Karman Space & Defense.
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Retirement Support — Feedback suggests immediate 401(k) vesting and a profit-sharing plan are meaningful strengths that enhance long-term financial security. Multiple medical-plan options and disability coverage further indicate solid core protections.
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Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests a range of health-plan choices (PPO, HMO, HDHP) and disability coverage provide flexibility and security. These offerings are positioned as competitive within the aerospace and defense context.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Feedback suggests tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate education supports professional growth and overall wellbeing. Company events and perks are occasionally noted alongside core benefits.
Karman Space & Defense Insights
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.
