Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Engineer of Pyrotechnic Mechanisms

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 Chief Engineer of Pyrotechnic Mechanisms, you will serve as the company-wide technical authority for the mechanical and structural design of cutters, initiators, separation joints, and energetically actuated release systems. You will guide development from concept through qualification and low-rate production, helping ensure devices are safe, robust, producible, and compliant. Through hands-on technical leadership, risk management, and engineer development, you will help teams make sound design decisions and meet program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Leads development of pyrotechnic mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification and low-rate production, providing hands-on oversight during build, test, and flight operations.

• Translates system-level requirements into mechanical and structural solutions, identifying implied and derived requirements early to prevent scope creep and misinterpretation.

• Develops and enforces design guidelines, analysis methodologies, and test plans to ensure device robustness and repeatability.

• Defines design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) practices in collaboration with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.

• Owns technical risk management for pyrotechnic hardware, maintaining risk registers and driving mitigation across design, materials, manufacturing, and testing.

• Tailors standards, processes, and qualification approaches to program needs, balancing rigor, cost, and schedule while maintaining compliance.

• Leads design and safety reviews, documenting tailoring decisions and maintaining alignment with customer and regulatory expectations.

• Defines scope, risks, and technical approaches for proposals supporting new business opportunities.

• Represents mechanisms engineering in customer meetings, technical interchange meetings, and safety boards.

• Mentors and develops engineers to strengthen in-house expertise in mechanism design and pyrotechnics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.

• At least 15 years of experience designing and qualifying pyrotechnic or energetic mechanisms in aerospace, defense, or related industries.

• Deep knowledge of energetics, ignition systems, detonation and deflagration physics, and mechanism actuation principles.

• Proven record of leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a technical authority.

• Demonstrated expertise in safety and compliance for energetics handling, storage, and testing.

• Strong familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regulations governing energetic systems.

• Hands-on experience with test planning, execution, and data reduction for pyrotechnic devices.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent the company to customers, suppliers, and regulators.

• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.

• Experience integrating pyrotechnics into spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or defense systems.

• Knowledge of alternative non-pyrotechnic actuation systems to support trade studies.

• Published technical contributions in pyrotechnics or energetics.

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.