Corporate Trainer

Karman Space & Defense is a recognized leader in advanced composite and polymer manufacturing. Building on decades of research and development, our team pioneered the SCRIMP® Resin Infusion Molding Process, which continues to support the manufacturing of a wide range of specialized products.

As a critical supplier to the United States Navy, Karman Space & Defense develops and manufactures products supporting submarine fleet programs, new construction, and fleet maintenance. Our engineers and production teams contribute throughout the product lifecycle-from initial development through final delivery. Our Gulfport facility maintains an AS9100-certified Quality Management System.

Position Overview

The Production Trainer is responsible for developing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of production employees throughout their careers with Karman Space & Defense. This position supports new-hire onboarding, hands-on technical training, continuing education, cross-training, and career development.

The Production Trainer will also work with experienced employees and subject-matter experts to capture tribal knowledge and convert it into consistent, usable training materials and documented processes. This position serves as a coach and role model while reinforcing the company's expectations for safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain structured training programs for production employees at all skill levels.
• Deliver classroom, hands-on, and on-the-job training for new and existing employees.
• Ensure employees understand not only how work is performed, but why processes, specifications, and quality requirements must be followed.
• Support new employees throughout onboarding and their initial evaluation period.
• Create continuing education, refresher, cross-training, and career-development opportunities.
• Partner with experienced employees and subject-matter experts to document tribal knowledge, best practices, and critical production processes.
• Develop and maintain training materials, work instructions, qualification requirements, and training records.
• Track employee training, qualifications, skill development, and progress toward established career paths.
• Identify individual and team skill or knowledge gaps and provide targeted training.
• Partner with production supervisors to assess team capabilities and develop training plans.
• Work with Quality to review nonconformance trends and determine whether additional or revised training is needed.
• Provide Operations, Human Resources, Quality, Safety, and other leaders with feedback regarding employee progress, training needs, and performance concerns.
• Prepare employees with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for advancement opportunities.
• Reinforce company policies and expectations by promoting a safe, clean, respectful, and productive work environment.
• Build positive working relationships across Operations, Quality, Safety, Human Resources, Engineering, and other departments.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, good work habits, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, presentation, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain technical processes clearly to employees with different learning styles and experience levels.
• Ability to mentor, motivate, influence, and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to assess employee skills and recommend appropriate training methods.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, supervisors, and management.
• Positive, professional approach to problem-solving and employee development.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree preferred; equivalent relevant education, training, or work experience may be considered.
• Previous experience providing technical, production, or on-the-job training preferred.
• Experience with composite fabrication or a comparable manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Experience developing training materials, documenting work processes, or maintaining training records is preferred.

Additional Requirements

This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Due to the nature of the work performed, United States citizenship is required.

Successful completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening is required.

Essential Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Frequently standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and sitting.
• Using hands and fingers to handle materials, tools, and equipment.
• Performing repetitive movements and bending or twisting the body.
• Ascending and descending stairs, ladders, and vertical work ladders.
• Working in confined spaces when required.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying loads weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Using close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This position operates in both manufacturing and office environments. The employee may be exposed to conditions typically found in a production facility while providing hands-on instruction and observing production activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans