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Design Engineer II

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.

The Design Engineer contributes to the conceptualization, development, testing, and deployment of aerospace and flight‑worthy structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems. This role supports design activities across the full lifecycle—from early concept creation through manufacturing and assembly—and plays an important part in new business development through technical inputs, design support, and proposal participation. The Design Engineer also provides mentorship to junior team members while collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program staff.

Responsibilities

  • Supports all aspects of mechanical design within the engineering group.
  • Conceptualizes, designs, and develops structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
  • Identifies off‑the‑shelf components, evaluates suppliers, and requests purchases to meet delivery timelines.
  • Produces two‑dimensional layout drawings and three‑dimensional solid model concepts.
  • Performs basic engineering calculations and analyses to ensure safe, compliant design performance.
  • Assists in system design efforts and owns subsystem and component‑level design tasks.
  • Documents performance requirements, compliance data, test procedures, test reports, and other contractual specifications.
  • Reviews designs for manufacturability, cost considerations, and quality assurance requirements.
  • Creates engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications according to applicable standards.
  • Supports manufacturing, assembly, quality assurance, testing, and deployment from concept through delivery, including internal and external technical support.
  • Contributes to proposal development, presentations, and business development activities.
  • Supports bench and field testing of mechanical systems and components.
  • Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
  • Typically 2–5 years of aerospace or defense experience.
  • Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience designing robust hardware.
  • Detailed knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks.
  • Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) or computer‑aided engineering (CAE) tools used for mechanical systems design.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.

A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

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 - $135,000 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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