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 Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you help ensure products are designed for efficient, repeatable manufacturing and supported by robust production processes throughout the product lifecycle. You lead Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts, guide process development and validation, support production readiness, and collaborate across engineering and operations teams to drive quality, manufacturability, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Leads Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts as an integral member of the product design team.
- Applies broad manufacturing engineering knowledge and best practices to improve producibility and process robustness.
- Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and supports their technical development.
- Serves as a subject matter expert for DFMA and statistical process control methodologies.
- Oversees material and resource planning activities to support production schedules and program objectives.
- Leads manufacturing workflow planning, resource planning, and production capacity preparation based on forecasted demand.
- Solves complex technical challenges to support product design, development, qualification, and production activities.
- Oversees process qualification activities and supports product qualification efforts.
- Establishes and supports development and validation of internal manufacturing processes, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation.
- Performs duties consistent with Manufacturing Engineer I, II, and III responsibilities as 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 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.
Skills Required
- 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 material properties, in-process verification, and validation methods
- Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- 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.
