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 help ensure producibility, intrinsic quality, and robust processes throughout the product lifecycle. The role influences early design, leads Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts, guides process qualification, and supports continuous improvement across production. This position also defines how internal manufacturing processes are developed and validated, including ERP (Epicor) integration, and reports to the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFMA activities as an integral member of the product design team.
• Apply broad manufacturing engineering principles to ensure producibility and process robustness.
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on DFMA and statistical process controls.
• Oversee material and resource planning to maintain production schedules.
• Plan manufacturing workflows, resource needs, and production line capacity aligned with forecasts.
• Resolve complex technical issues to support product design, development, and production continuity.
• Oversee process qualification and support product qualification activities.
• Perform duties aligned with Manufacturing Engineer I, II, and III functional responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent years of experience.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience in fabrication and assembly environments.
• 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.