Development 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.

In this role, you will lead mechanical system development and testing activities across all phases of advanced aerospace and defense programs. You will drive conceptual design, prototype development, verification testing, and full‑scale system validation to demonstrate new technologies. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, lead test planning and execution, support customer engagements and proposal efforts, and serve as a mentor to junior engineers while helping ensure technical excellence and program success.

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

• Leads planning and execution of mechanical system development testing.
• Assists in meeting customer goals by ensuring technical accuracy, completeness, and on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Leads test planning and execution, including test design, analysis, procedure development, data collection, and reporting.
• Supports business development and project performance efforts to meet customer needs.
• Leads proposal development through customer and internal technical engagement, including needs definition, presentations, and project reviews.
• Demonstrates strong commitment to hands‑on aerospace development in a fast‑paced environment.
• Mentors and supports junior engineers.
• Applies multiple engineering technologies and data acquisition systems in development activities.
• Utilizes SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in engineering tasks.
• Performs and leads product development tests, including development and qualification test support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of relevant experience and registration.
• Typically, 4–7 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Proven experience leading product development tests, including development testing and assistance with qualification testing.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Strong understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications.

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, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.