Manufacturing Engineering Manager

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hyper sonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement *

SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering activities supporting multiple complex production lines within a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. This role drives process development, production readiness, tooling strategy, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safe, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing operations. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager serves as the technical bridge between Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize manufacturing processes, improve throughput, reduce cost, and support operational growth. This role reports to the site manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for complex aerospace production lines.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are capable, repeatable, and scalable.
• Support transition from prototype to full-rate production.
• Drive process validation and production readiness activities.
• Provide daily technical support to production operations.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, or productivity.
• Lead tooling and fixture design strategy to support efficient manufacturing flow.
• Evaluate, specify, and implement manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability and efficient process integration.
• Ensure smooth production ramp-up and operational handoff.
• Maintain controlled manufacturing documentation and revision management.
• Assist with process audits and corrective action activities.
• Lead and develop Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, and Engineering Technicians.
• Establish engineering priorities aligned with operational goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 2+ years in a manufacturing engineering leadership role preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems
• Experience with CNC machining, assembly operations, tooling and fixture design preferred
• Must be a U.S. persons and able to obtain a DOD SECRET clearance

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel 0-10% of the time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.