Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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 Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you help shape producibility, process rigor, and manufacturing readiness across the entire product lifecycle. You lead Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts, guide process qualification, address complex technical issues, and support continuous improvement to enable reliable, efficient production. You also mentor junior engineers, influence early design decisions, and define how internal manufacturing processes are developed and validated, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration.

Responsibilities

• Leads Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) activities and drives producibility throughout product development.
• Applies broad manufacturing engineering principles to establish robust, repeatable processes.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and provides subject matter expertise in DFMA and statistical process controls.
• Oversees material and resource planning to support production schedules and workflow needs.
• Plans manufacturing workflows, resource requirements, and production line capacity in alignment with demand forecasts.
• Resolves complex technical challenges affecting product design, development, and production continuity.
• Oversees process qualification activities and supports product qualification efforts.
• Performs responsibilities consistent with Manufacturing Engineer I, II, and III roles when needed.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent years of experience.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience in fabrication and assembly environments.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with material properties, in‑process verification, and validation methods.
• Proficiency in 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.
  
  

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.