Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Space & Launch

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation's space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high‑performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you will lead manufacturing engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring that designs are producible, processes are robust, and quality is built in from development through production. You will drive design‑for‑manufacturability efforts, oversee process qualification, and support continuous improvement while mentoring junior engineers and guiding teams through technical challenges. You will also support planning, resource coordination, and workflow development in partnership with engineering, production, and integrated product teams.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties of Manufacturing Engineering I, II, and III roles as needed.
• Leads Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts during product design.
• Applies broad knowledge of manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on DFMA and statistical process control for monitoring process robustness.
• Oversees material and resource planning and coordination to meet schedules.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning, resource planning, and production line capacity efforts aligned with forecasts.
• Solves complex technical problems to ensure timely design, development, and production progress.
• Oversees process qualification activities alongside product qualification.
• Supports development and validation of internal processes, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) system use.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of six years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering 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.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing engineering in aerospace or complex production environments.

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.