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Development Engineer III

Seattle, Washington

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 Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you lead critical testing and development activities that validate advanced mechanical solutions supporting aerospace and defense programs. Working within a multi‑disciplinary engineering team, you drive planning, execution, and documentation of development and qualification testing, contribute to product definition and proposal efforts, and help transition concepts into functional prototype and full‑scale systems. Your work strengthens program execution, supports customer needs, and advances innovative technologies across the entire development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

  • Leads planning and execution of testing required for mechanical system development.
  • Assists in meeting client goals by supporting project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Leads test planning and execution, including test design, analysis, procedures, test plans, test reports, and data collection and reduction.
  • Supports business development and project performance activities to address customer needs.
  • Leads proposal efforts by collaborating with clients and internal engineering teams to support needs definition, presentations, and project reviews.
  • Mentors junior engineers and serves as a technical resource.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Typically 4–7 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
  • Proven experience leading product development tests, including development testing and assisting in qualification testing.
  • Proficiency with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
  • Strong understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
  • Solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Knowledge of military and commercial specifications preferred.
  • A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Solid understanding of SolidWorks.

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

Salary Range

$110,000 - $140,000 USD

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, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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