Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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 Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains.  Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a central role in ensuring producibility and process robustness throughout the product lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with product design teams to incorporate design-for-manufacturability principles, lead process development and validation efforts, and help drive continuous improvement across fabrication and assembly operations. Your expertise will support high-quality product execution, efficient workflow planning, and effective coordination of production resources.

Responsibilities

• Leads design-for-manufacturability activities within product design teams to strengthen producibility and process robustness.
• Applies broad manufacturing engineering knowledge to guide design, development, and production decisions.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and provides subject matter expertise on design for manufacturability and statistical process controls.
• Oversees material and resource planning to support schedule adherence.
• Plans manufacturing workflows, production line capacity, and resource utilization based on forecasted needs.
• Solves complex technical problems to maintain momentum in product design, development, and production.
• Oversees process qualification activities alongside product qualification efforts.
• Supports implementation and validation of internal processes, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system integration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent years of experience.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly shop environment.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in‑process verification, and validation.
• 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.