Demo

Senior Design Engineer

Karman Space & Defense
Mukilteo, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/28/2026
Summary

The Senior Design Engineer performs a lead role in design and delivery of aerospace and flight worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products and systems. This position supports the engineering staff in all aspects of mechanical design from concept to development, validation and detailed design, requiring a fair amount of autonomy and hands-on activity. The primary focus of this position is design leadership, with an emphasis on supporting new business development efforts and mentorship of junior engineers, with minimal direct oversight required.

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*

What You Will Do

  • Supports the engineering group while leading in all aspects of mechanical design
  • Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems in accordance with customer requirements and customary standards
  • Performs required calculations, analysis, and comprehensive tolerance stack-up analyses
  • Verify calculations and analysis work of others
  • Leads design efforts on systems and sub-systems, often on multiple programs simultaneously
  • Supports proposal, quick-turn concept design and presentation efforts through CAD models and illustrations
  • Generates Bill of Materials for Assemblies and complete drafting packages of designs
  • Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing and product qualification
  • Mentor and resource for more junior engineers

What We Are Looking For

  • B.S. or M.S. Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent in relevant experience and registration
  • Typically possesses 6 years of experience in design of aerospace and/or defense systems
  • Proven experience in designing robust hardware that has passed qualification testing
  • Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design, engineering, and drawing conventions
  • Proficient in SolidWorks, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
  • Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools relevant to mechanical systems design
  • Strong mathematical skills, understanding of material properties, strength and stress formulas
  • Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams, and work to verbal and written instructions
  • Strong computer skills, familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools
  • Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications
  • Self-motivated, able to multi-task, work independently on assignments with minimal oversight or direction, quality-oriented and safety conscious
  • Possesses strong mechanical aptitude as well as creativity in solving problems; able to track overall goals and “see the big picture” while focusing on details
  • Excellent communication and customer relationship skills
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, and hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance

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.

Salary : $120,000 - $165,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Senior Design Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Senior Design Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$134,206 - $155,125
Income Estimation: 
$171,024 - $193,943
Income Estimation: 
$134,206 - $155,125
Income Estimation: 
$171,024 - $193,943
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Karman Space & Defense

  • Karman Space & Defense Gulfport, MS
  • SUMMARY: Karman Space & Defense is seeking a dynamic, experienced Capture Manager to lead all aspects of proposal/quote management and execution for Karman... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Gulfport, MS
  • SUMMARY: The Controller is responsible for the financial management, reporting, compliance, and accounting operations supporting Seemann Composites, LLC, a... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Mukilteo, WA
  • Summary The Development & Test Engineer’s role is to develop, test, and deploy aerospace and defense mechanical products and systems as a member of a multi... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Mukilteo, WA
  • Summary The Electrical Test Engineer II conceptualizes, designs, develops, tests, and supports the manufacturing and testing of electronics for space and d... more
  • 5 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Design Engineer jobs in the Mukilteo, WA area that may be a better fit.

  • Amro Fabricating Corporation Mukilteo, WA
  • SUMMARY The Senior Design Engineer performs a lead role in design and delivery of aerospace and flight worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products a... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Jobs via Dice Everett, WA
  • Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is seeking a Mechanical System & Design Analysis Engineer (Experienced or Senior) to join our Low P... more
  • 10 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!