Engineering Manager (Aerospace)

Summary

Without the strength of our Engineering Team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced Sr. Engineering Manager. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience as a Sr. Engineering Manager. As a strong communicator and skilled hands-on Sr. Engineering Manager, you will manage Karman Space & Defense’s California LA sites will lead the strategic development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes across our large-platform machining, spin forming, and bump forming operations. This role combines hands-on engineering leadership with forward-thinking program oversight to enhance technical capability, improve execution efficiency, and support business growth.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Sr. Engineering Manager will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in line with schedule and financial performance targets

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

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Lead process advancement in large-part machining, spin forming, and bump forming technologies.
• Develop and implement robust process controls and new manufacturing methods aligned with customer and business needs.
• Lead CNC programming efforts maximizing machine efficiency and process adherence.
• Advance engineering data business systems to support technical insight, process integration, and productivity improvements.
  
  

Team Management

• Oversee design, CNC programming, Mfg. Engineering, & Project Engineering and ensuring process optimization, workload balance and skill alignment
• Provide leadership in personnel development, mentoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate staffing and execution of project plans including cost, schedule, and technical goals.
  
  

Strategic Execution & Collaboration

• Support business development by aligning engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities.
• Develop proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion.
• Drive cross-site collaboration and standardization in tooling, processes, and documentation.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.
  
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Required: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field)
• Preferred: M.S. in Engineering or Management
• 10 years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing and 5 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams
• Expertise in machining, spin forming, or related forming technologies
• Experience with ERP and advanced business systems and CAD / CAM packages such as CATIA and Mastercam
  
  

Other Requirements

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain a DOD SECRET clearance
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment
  
  

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 .
  
  

Equal Opportunity

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.