Senior Design Engineer

Program Management Full Time Mukilteo, WA, US

Salary Range: $135,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high‑performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you will lead the mechanical design of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and flight‑worthy systems from concept through detailed design, validation, and qualification. You will support multiple program teams, perform analyses, guide design activities, and mentor junior engineers while providing hands‑on support for prototyping, testing, and product development. You will also support new business efforts by contributing to concept development and proposal activities.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities and supports engineering teams across all stages of design.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems based on customer and industry requirements.
• Performs calculations, analyses, and detailed tolerance stack‑ups.
• Reviews and verifies calculations and analysis work produced by others.
• Leads system‑and subsystem‑level design efforts across multiple programs.
• Supports proposals and rapid concept development through CAD models and design illustrations.
• Generates Bills of Materials and complete drafting packages.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides design guidance and expertise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience and registration.
• Typically six or more years of aerospace or defense design experience.
• Proven experience designing hardware that has passed qualification testing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) and computer‑aided engineering (CAE) tools.
• Strong mathematical skills, including understanding of material properties, strength calculations, and stress analysis.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with engineering tools and office applications.
• Knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
• Self‑motivated, able to manage multiple tasks independently, and committed to quality and safety.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in problem‑solving, and ability to balance detailed work with system‑level perspective.
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

• 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

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.