IPT (Integrated Project Team) Lead

Job Description

Job Description

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.

As an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, you guide an engineering team to achieve excellence in cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role ensures healthy team dynamics, develops personnel, sustains workload through strong customer relationships, and oversees proposal rigor and strategic initiatives. The IPT Lead is ultimately accountable for team performance, staffing, and project execution.

This role will be a full-time onsite role at our Mukilteo, WA location. The position will be on a 9/80 work schedule.

This role will have a travel expectation of 10-25% to our Huntington Beach, CA location.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams to achieve cost, schedule, and technical performance goals.
• Provide business, technical, and strategic leadership across assigned projects.
• Assign personnel with the required skills and experience to project needs.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and technical status of all team projects.
• Ensure healthy work environments by aligning personnel skills to tasks and supporting professional development.
• Balance team workloads and oversee hiring, termination, and staff management.
• Sustain team workload through strong customer relationships and rigorous proposal development.
• Oversee team business development efforts and ensure complete, financially sound proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with other teams to support company, customer, and personnel needs.
• Lead strategic initiatives to drive company growth.
• Manage team budgets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Related Science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the space and defense industry.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Proven team leadership experience.
• Experience working with space and defense prime contractors and government agencies.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Engineering, Related Science, or Field.

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.