Chief Engineer, Composites Manufacturing

SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer focuses on technical program leadership, provides mentorship and guidance for other engineers, and supports company growth and overall technical direction. The Chief Engineer oversees and guides the design, development, and manufacturing processes and ensures technical success of the company’s programs via engineering best practices. The Chief Engineer plays a key role in determining strategic technologies and capturing associated programs. The responsibilities for Chief of Composite Manufacturing focuses on manufacturing and development of ablative and structural composite structures for use in solid rocket motor systems, primarily rocket nozzle insulator assemblies. Reports to the Director of Programs.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility.  Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Establishes and manages Engineering Gates to ensure best practices on all programs.
• Guides junior engineers in creating program plans for build-to-print (BTP) production programs and leads continuous process improvements to gain efficiency during production.
• Works with Business Development to create and review quotes/proposals.
• Coordinates with vendors and customers to maintain and track configuration control and approve engineering changes.
• Evaluates and improves design for manufacturability and supports improving, tracking, and resolving defects during manufacture.
• Works across divisions to refine production processes gain efficiencies, reduce defects, and deliver on time. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent technical engineering field required
• 10 years in production and engineering leadership of aerospace or defense systems
• 5 years of experience in mechanical design
• Proficiency in manufacturing engineering software/tools (CAD, PLM, ERP systems)
• Hands-on experience in the production and manufacturing of high-precision systems
• Design For Manufacture Assessment
• Strong experience managing complex engineering projects, ensuring alignment with production schedules, cost objectives, and quality targets.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop talent.
• Experience in presenting to executive teams and external stakeholders/vendors etc.
• Must hold OR be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Minimal travel may be required for this position. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking in a manufacturing and office environment
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally
• Extended computer use and occasional overtime or weekend work to support key milestones

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.