Tax Director

SUMMARY:

The Senior Tax Manager is responsible for leading the tax function, ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local tax laws while supporting strategic business objectives. This role oversees tax accounting, income tax compliance, tax planning, indirect taxes, transfer pricing, and tax risk management in a highly regulated aerospace and defense environment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep expertise in ASC 740, SEC reporting, federal and state income taxation, and the unique tax considerations impacting the aerospace and defense industry, including government contracts, export regulations, R&D incentives, and international operations.

ABOUT US:

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPANY BENEFITS:

• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision 
• Life 
• 401k 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Paid Holidays 
• Employee Referral Program 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Partner with our external tax team on all aspects of federal, state, local, and international tax compliance.
• Oversee preparation and review of income tax provisions under ASC 740, including quarterly and annual SEC filings (10-Q, 10-K).
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all corporate tax returns and related disclosures.
• Manage uncertain tax positions, FIN 48 analyses, and tax reserves.
• Coordinate external tax advisors and auditors during financial statement and tax audits.
• Implement controls and ensure SOX compliance within the tax function.

Tax Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement tax-efficient strategies aligned with corporate objectives and M&A activity.
• Advise executive leadership on tax implications of business initiatives, restructurings, and cross-border transactions.
• Identify opportunities related to R&D tax credits, foreign tax credits, transfer pricing optimization, and other incentives.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting publicly traded and government contracting entities.

Government Contracting & Industry-Specific Oversight

• Ensure compliance with tax requirements related to government contracts and defense regulations.
• Partner with finance, legal, and contracts teams regarding FAR/CAS implications and tax treatment of defense-related transactions.
• Support international operations involving export controls, foreign subsidiaries, and global supply chain considerations.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closing with external tax team, auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with accounting, treasury, FP&A, legal, internal audit, and operational leadership.
• Present tax matters and risk assessments to executive leadership and, when appropriate, the Audit Committee.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and internal controls related to tax operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s in Taxation and/or CPA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive corporate tax experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience within a publicly traded company required.
• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting industry experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of: 
  • ASC 740 and SEC reporting requirements
  • U.S. federal and state corporate taxation
  • International tax and transfer pricing
  • SOX/internal control frameworks
  • Government contracting regulations (FAR/CAS preferred)
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
• Experience managing external advisors and leading cross-functional initiatives.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Minimal travel may be required for this position

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a federal contractor, Karman Space & Defense is committed to compliance with all federal employment eligibility requirements. We participate in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, federal compliance mandates that we require documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization upon hire.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.