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Chief Electrical Engineer

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 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.

As Chief Electrical Engineer, you provide technical leadership for electrical and electronic system development, establish engineering standards and practices, mentor engineering personnel, and guide technical direction across programs. You ensure technical integrity from concept through detailed design, integration, testing, qualification, production, and deployment while supporting customer engagements and company growth.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, mentorship, and direction to Electrical Engineers across programs.
• Define and drive electrical system architectures, including cross-functional requirements allocation and interface development.
• Oversee electrical designs for feasibility, performance, reliability, manufacturability, safety, cost, and compliance.
• Lead electrical concept, design, and technical reviews, providing direction on major decisions and complex issues.
• Establish and maintain electrical engineering standards, design practices, guidelines, tools, and training.
• Oversee PCB, circuit, power, harness, and interconnect design, considering ESD, EMI/EMC, grounding, bonding, shielding, signal integrity, and thermal environments.
• Evaluate technical risks, uncertainty, and tradeoffs associated with electrical requirements, architectures, and designs.
• Provide technical direction for complex electrical engineering problems and resolution of cross-functional issues.
• Oversee electrical integration, testing, qualification, verification, and troubleshooting.
• Support customer technical relationships, proposals, presentations, and business development activities.

Required Qualifications: 

• B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 10+ years technical experience plus 3+ years management or technical leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex electrical engineering efforts and developing system architectures.
• Experience with electrical/electronic systems, PCB design, and harness/interconnect design.
• Knowledge of military specifications and applicable aerospace and IPC standards.
• Ability to evaluate technical risk and solve complex problems without established solutions.
• Experience with electrical engineering tools such as Altium and PSpice/LTspice.
• Excellent communication, leadership, mentorship, and customer relationship skills.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical field.

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

$180,000 - $210,000 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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