Manufacturing 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 supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight-proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission-ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

In this role, you will help ensure that products are designed and manufactured for optimal producibility, quality, and efficiency across the full product lifecycle. You will influence early design decisions, develop and validate production processes, and support continuous improvement efforts while collaborating closely with engineering, production, and integrated product teams.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9‑hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8‑hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Supports product design teams by driving design for manufacturability and influencing early development decisions.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers to strengthen team capabilities and skill development.
• Establishes, monitors, and validates production processes and controls as a process owner or subject matter expert.
• Designs, develops, and implements complex fixtures, tools, and inspection gages for fabrication and assembly.
• Coordinates material and resource planning with product teams to support schedule adherence.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup to optimize operational efficiency.
• Solves complex technical problems using engineering references, data, and inspection tools.
• Collaborates with engineers across disciplines to represent manufacturing requirements and ensure cohesive technical execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly environment.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties and in‑process verification and validation.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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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