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 support precision machining operations by ensuring production teams have timely access to the correct tooling, equipment, and supplies required to keep manufacturing running efficiently. You will maintain an organized and accurate tool crib, manage inventory and purchasing activities, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure tooling and equipment meet specifications. Your work helps maintain quality, accuracy, and readiness across a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Issues, receives, tracks, and maintains tooling, equipment, supplies, and related materials to support production and maintenance personnel.
- Maintains an organized and accurately inventoried tool crib with proper identification, storage, and traceability.
- Utilizes the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to purchase, receive, and record tooling, equipment, supplies, and related materials.
- Monitors inventory levels, performs physical inventories and cycle counts, reconciles discrepancies, and initiates purchases to sustain adequate stock.
- Coordinates with suppliers regarding availability, pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, estimates, repairs, calibration, and service needs.
- Communicates with suppliers to obtain information, coordinate purchases, and resolve delivery or service issues.
- Inspects and validates tooling and equipment upon receipt to ensure accuracy and conformity using calipers and other basic measurement tools.
- Identifies damaged, worn, incorrect, or nonconforming tooling and coordinates replacement, repair, or disposition.
- Maintains accurate documentation related to inventory, purchasing, supplier interactions, repairs, calibration, and service activities.
- Assists production and maintenance personnel in identifying and obtaining required tools, equipment, and supplies.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 2 or more years of experience in a tool crib, warehouse, manufacturing, machine shop, maintenance, inventory control, purchasing, or related environment.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and use enterprise resource planning (ERP) and inventory management systems.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with suppliers and internal personnel.
- Ability to perform basic shop math, including fractions, decimals, measurements, and unit conversions.
- Ability to read and understand basic drawings, specifications, work instructions, purchasing information, and tooling requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to accurately identify, count, measure, inspect, and document tools, equipment, and materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience purchasing tooling, equipment, maintenance supplies, or manufacturing materials using an enterprise resource planning/material requirements planning (ERP/MRP) system.
- Familiarity with common manufacturing tools, cutting tools, gauges, and measuring equipment such as calipers or micrometers.
- Experience coordinating supplier repairs, calibration, maintenance, or other related services.
- Experience operating forklifts or other material-handling equipment or holding related certification.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and climb.
- Ability to handle, organize, lift, and carry tools, equipment, and materials weighing approximately 25-50 lbs.
- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, temperature variations, and moving equipment.
The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Special Mentions
- Occasional local travel may be required to support production and maintenance needs, including picking up urgent tooling, equipment, parts, or supplies from local suppliers.
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.
6:00 am - 4:45pm