Senior Development Engineer

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.

In this role, you provide technical leadership and project management across all phases of aerospace system development. You lead multidisciplinary teams, guide concept development, drive mechanical and electromechanical system design, and oversee prototype fabrication and testing. You work directly with customers, engineers, and program leaders to advance complex technologies, ensure program execution, and deliver high‑performance solutions for aerospace and defense applications.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning, organization, and execution of projects requiring mechanical system development.
• Contributes to proposal efforts and program management for projects involving advanced mechanical and electromechanical technologies.
• Interfaces with multidisciplinary teams to support analysis, development, and testing activities.
• Assists program and project leaders to meet client goals on schedule, within budget, and to high standards of technical accuracy and completeness.
• Supports business development initiatives to align capabilities with customer needs.
• Interacts with clients to support needs definition, proposal presentations, and project reviews.
• Collaborates with technical staff on proposal development and project performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 4–7 years of experience in mechanical development of aerospace systems with exposure to electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Background in heat transfer, structural analysis, dynamics/kinematics, advanced materials, computer‑aided design (CAD), and machine design.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute engineering projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• None specified.

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.

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.