Senior Systems 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.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership across aerospace system development efforts, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams as they mature complex mechanical systems and structures. You will drive system architecture decisions, lead verification and validation activities, coordinate program‑wide technical efforts, and mentor less experienced engineers to ensure engineering rigor and alignment with system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Leads program‑level technical oversight to ensure products meet applicable requirements.
• Ensures programs maintain balanced emphasis on design, analysis, and test activities to achieve robust system performance.
• Drives system architecture decisions by modeling system behavior and supporting requirements decomposition.
• Assesses completeness of system requirements, verifies compliance, and documents results.
• Drives development of test plans to validate system performance.
• Leads creation of engineering reports and presentations.
• Leads development of interface control drawings and interface description documents.
• Contributes to company engineering standards, training, and guidelines.
• Mentors, trains, and develops engineers with lesser experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically possesses 6 or more years of aerospace or defense engineering experience, including 2 or more years performing relevant systems engineering work.
• Experience with development of mechanical systems and structures, electronics, electrical cabling, system integration, and qualification testing.
• Mastery of general aerospace engineering knowledge including structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), physics‑based modeling, dynamics, kinematics, advanced high‑strength materials, design, and test.
• Demonstrated technical leadership with strong ability to develop, plan, and execute multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain focus on quality and safety.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills with ability to track high‑level goals while focusing on detailed execution.
• Excellent communication and customer‑relationship skills.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field.

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.