Principal Metrology 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.

As a Principal Metrology Engineer, you will serve as the enterprise technical authority for metrology and dimensional measurement, shaping the standards, systems, and capabilities that support multiple sites. You will establish measurement methodologies, lead technology modernization initiatives, and develop a cohesive metrology organization that supports high-precision manufacturing and quality requirements. Your work will directly influence measurement capability, consistency, and reliability across the business.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the enterprise technical authority for metrology and dimensional measurement.
• Establishes and maintains enterprise standards for measurement methods, equipment, software, and practices.
• Develops, reviews, and approves metrology procedures, measurement methods, and technical requirements.
• Provides technical direction for complex measurement and dimensional inspection challenges.
• Establishes consistent metrology practices across multiple sites while accommodating site‑specific needs.
• Leads evaluation, selection, qualification, and implementation of metrology equipment, software, automation, and supporting systems.
• Monitors emerging metrology technologies and leads modernization initiatives that improve capability, throughput, efficiency, and cost.
• Develops and manages business cases, return‑on‑investment analyses, and capital investment priorities for metrology technologies.
• Partners with cross‑functional teams to align metrology systems and technologies with organizational and manufacturing strategies.
• Establishes enterprise strategies for metrology software, measurement programming systems, data structures, reporting, and configuration control.
• Ensures measurement data integrity, traceability, and appropriate control across systems.
• Defines competency, qualification, and training requirements for metrology personnel and develops engineers, programmers, technicians, and related staff.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, metrology, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in dimensional metrology in aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, or similarly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated experience with coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and dimensional measurement systems.
• Strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), measurement capability, and dimensional inspection principles.
• Experience developing and approving measurement methods and procedures.
• Experience selecting and implementing metrology equipment and software.
• Experience leading or managing metrology personnel.
• Ability to establish standards and provide technical leadership across multiple facilities.
• Strong technical, analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to travel for up to 40% of the time.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiple CMM platforms and metrology software systems.
• Experience with optical, laser scanning, vision, automated, or advanced measurement technologies.
• Experience developing enterprise metrology strategies and modernization roadmaps.
• Experience developing capital expenditure business cases and return‑on‑investment analyses.
• Experience with aerospace and defense customer requirements and AS9100 quality systems.
• Experience leading a multi‑site metrology organization.
• Experience integrating metrology data with manufacturing execution systems (MES), quality management systems (QMS), or other enterprise systems.

Special Mentions

• Ability to travel between company facilities as required.

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.