Manufacturing Engineer II

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 supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight-proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission-ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

In this role, you will support designs from early development through production by focusing on producibility, manufacturing process development, and production readiness. You will develop methods of manufacture, work instructions, and tooling that ensure quality is built into every product, while contributing to manufacturing workflow planning, prototype builds, and continuous improvement across engineering and production teams.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Supports design teams by providing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) input and contributing to producibility assessments.
• Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes and controls to ensure consistent quality.
• Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gauges to support fabrication and assembly operations.
• Generates and maintains bills of materials, methods of manufacture, and work/build instructions for assemblies.
• Coordinates material and resource planning with product teams to support schedule adherence.
• Assists in planning manufacturing workflow and space requirements for production operations.
• Troubleshoots technical issues using reference materials and inspection tools.
• Supports or leads prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.
• Performs Manufacturing Engineering I duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• 2 or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in a fabrication and assembly shop environment preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in-process verification, and validation.

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.