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Composites Manufacturing Engineer II

Huntington Beach, California

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.

As a Composites Manufacturing Engineer II, you develop and refine manufacturing processes for complex composite aerospace products. You translate system requirements into manufacturable process solutions, design tooling, create build documentation, coordinate cross-functional activities, and support production from concept through delivery. This role also provides hands‑on oversight of assigned projects, supports customer communication, and helps drive continuous improvement in composite fabrication methods.

Responsibilities

  • Formulates manufacturing processes for composite aerospace products to meet customer and system requirements.
  • Provides hands‑on oversight of assigned projects to ensure technical objectives, quality standards, and delivery requirements are met.
  • Develops fabrication and process control documentation to support consistent production.
  • Designs and reviews tooling to meet program production rates, quality needs, and technical specifications.
  • Serves as a technical interface with customers, supporting program updates, reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Supports root cause analysis and implements corrective actions to resolve product or process issues.
  • Conducts peer review of build documentation and tooling designs.
  • Develops pricing and lead time estimates for customer requests for quotation (RFQs) and requests for information (RFIs).

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or composite design.
  • Must have exceptional time‑management skills.
  • Experience with aerospace composite manufacturing methods; autoclave and press molding experience are a plus.
  • Knowledge of internal processes and systems in a mid-size manufacturing environment.
  • Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD\&T) and blueprint reading.
  • Proficiency in modeling and drafting tools.
  • Experience with tooling used for composite processing or mechanical assembly.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Experience with design-for-manufacturing and assembly methodology.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • One‑on‑one customer support experience.
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision and manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
  • A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Special Mentions

  • Minimal travel may be required.

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

$85,000 - $105,000 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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