Design Engineer III

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.

In this role, you will lead mechanical design efforts that shape aerospace structures, mechanisms, and systems from concept through delivery. You will drive technical execution, perform engineering analyses, collaborate across disciplines, and support manufacturing and testing to ensure robust, producible designs that meet customer and mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities for structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems aligned with customer and program requirements.
• Creates 2‑D layouts and 3‑D solid models to define conceptual and detailed designs.
• Performs mechanical engineering calculations and analyses to ensure safe and compliant system performance.
• Verifies calculations, models, and analyses performed by peers and junior engineers.
• Documents performance requirements, test plans, procedures, test reports, and compliance evidence.
• Reviews designs for cost, manufacturability, and quality assurance considerations.
• Develops engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications.
• Supports manufacturing, assembly, quality assurance, testing, and deployment throughout the product lifecycle.
• Supports proposal preparation and business development activities.
• Supports bench and field testing of mechanical elements and systems.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across design activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
• Typically 4–7 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Proven experience leading robust hardware design.
• Knowledge of military and commercial design specifications.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) and computer‑aided engineering (CAE) tools for mechanical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

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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