Senior Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Systems 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 Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

The Senior Systems Engineer provides program-level technical oversight and drives product maturation for aerospace structures, mechanisms, mechanical systems, and flight‑worthy hardware. This role plans and executes system engineering activities, coordinates multidisciplinary efforts, and ensures final products meet all technical and program requirements while reporting to the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead.

This is an full-time on-site position working out of our Mukilteo, WA location. This role will be working a 9/80 schedule.

• Lead program-level technical oversight to ensure products meet all applicable requirements
• Maintain balanced focus across design, analysis, and test activities to ensure robust engineering outcomes
• Drive system architecture decisions through modeling, requirement decomposition, and system-level analyses
• Verify completeness, compliance, and documentation of system requirements
• Lead development of system test plans to validate performance
• Prepare engineering reports, technical documentation, and customer presentations
• Develop interface control drawings and interface description documents
• Contribute to engineering standards, training materials, and best‑practice guidelines
• Mentor and support engineers with lesser experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent
• Typically 6+ years of aerospace or defense engineering experience, including 2+ years performing systems engineering work
• Experience with development of mechanical systems, structures, electronics, electrical cabling, system integration, and qualification testing
• Mastery of general aerospace engineering principles including structural analysis, finite element analysis, physics-based modeling, dynamics and kinematics, advanced materials, design, and test
• Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, and execute multidisciplinary technical projects
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem‑solving skills, and ability to balance big‑picture goals with detailed execution
• Excellent communication and customer relationship skills
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent

• 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.