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Manufacturing Engineering Manager

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 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.

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads manufacturing engineering activities across multiple complex production lines, ensuring safe, repeatable, and scalable operations. This role drives process development, production readiness, tooling strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a technical connection between Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain. It plays a key role in optimizing manufacturing flow, resolving production challenges, and supporting operational growth in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

  • Develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes for complex aerospace production lines.
  • Ensures processes are capable, repeatable, and scalable and supports transition from prototype to full-rate production.
  • Drives process validation, production readiness, and smooth production ramp-up.
  • Provides daily technical support and troubleshoots manufacturing issues affecting safety, quality, delivery, or productivity.
  • Leads tooling and fixture design strategy and evaluates, specifies, and implements equipment and automation solutions.
  • Collaborates with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability and efficient process integration.
  • Maintains controlled manufacturing documentation and manages revision updates.
  • Supports process audits and corrective action activities.
  • Leads and develops Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, and Engineering Technicians.
  • Establishes engineering priorities aligned with operational goals.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5 or more years of manufacturing engineering experience.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems.
  • A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2 or more years of experience in a manufacturing engineering leadership role.
  • Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.
  • Experience with computer numerical control (CNC) machining, assembly operations, and tooling and fixture design.

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

$140,000 - $170,000 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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