Senior Design 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.

In this role, you lead the design and development of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and systems from concept through detailed design, validation, and product qualification. You guide engineering activities, support new business pursuits, and mentor junior engineers while managing multiple design efforts with a high degree of autonomy and hands‑on involvement.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
• Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack‑ups to validate design intent and performance.
• Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
• Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
• Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
• Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically 6 or more years of experience designing aerospace and/or defense systems.
• Proven experience designing hardware that has successfully passed qualification testing.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools relevant to mechanical systems.
• Strong mathematical skills and understanding of material properties, strength, and stress formulas.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and work from verbal and written instructions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools.
• Detailed knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain a quality‑ and safety‑focused approach.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in solving technical problems, and ability to balance detailed work with broader program goals.
• Excellent communication and customer‑relationship skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent advanced degree.
• Registration or equivalent relevant professional credential.

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

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