Senior Training Specialist (Aerospace & Defense)

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.

The Senior Training Specialist develops and delivers technical training programs that help employees safely and consistently perform manufacturing work to quality and production standards. This role partners closely with operational and technical teams to translate requirements into effective learning experiences, strengthen workforce capability, close skill gaps, and maintain audit-ready training records that support operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers instructor-led, hands-on, digital, and on-the-job training for manufacturing and support employees.
• Creates lesson plans, job aids, qualification checklists, assessments, and training materials aligned with controlled procedures.
• Coordinates onboarding, recurrent training, cross-training, and qualification activities with supervisors and functional leaders.
• Maintains training matrices, completion records, qualification statuses, and certification documentation.
• Evaluates employee proficiency through observations, knowledge checks, practical demonstrations, and documented assessment criteria.
• Partners with Engineering, Quality, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and Operations subject-matter experts to maintain accurate and current training content.
• Identifies skill gaps using quality, safety, productivity, and supervisor feedback and recommends training interventions.
• Supports train-the-trainer initiatives and on-the-job trainer development.
• Prepares training records and documentation for internal, customer, and quality-system audits.
• Supports new-product introductions, production ramps, process changes, and corrective actions through timely training execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Training and Development, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years of technical training, manufacturing training, workforce development, or related experience.
• Experience developing training materials, delivering instruction, and assessing employee proficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication, facilitation, organization, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience maintaining training records or learning-management data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, defense, space, or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience with instructional design, learning management systems, and technical certification programs.
• Knowledge of AS9100, IPC, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), or other manufacturing compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently communicates and works with employees in office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequently stands, walks, and uses a computer; occasionally bends, reaches, or moves throughout production areas as required by the role.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• Moderate (10–25%) travel may be required.

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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