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.

In this role, you support the transition of designs into production by developing manufacturing processes, tools, and documentation that ensure producibility, efficiency, and product quality. You work closely with engineering, suppliers, and production teams to validate processes, solve technical challenges, and enable reliable fabrication and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with design teams to ensure producibility and apply design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes and controls.
• Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gages for fabrication and assembly.
• Generates bills of materials and manufacturing work instructions.
• Supports material and resource planning for production activities.
• Coordinates with suppliers and vendor quality teams to support sourcing and production needs.
• Analyzes and plans manufacturing workflow and space requirements.
• Communicates across the organization to gather information, gain alignment, and implement solutions.
• Resolves technical issues using engineering references, inspection tools, and verification techniques.
• Assists with prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field, or 7 years of applicable in‑field experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly shop environment.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams, and work from verbal and written instructions.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in-process verification, and validation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000, AS9100, or similar quality systems.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

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.