Manufacturing Engineer III - Space & Launch

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high‑performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you will support designs through the development cycle and into production by focusing on design producibility, manufacturing process development, and production readiness. You will help develop methods of manufacture, create work instructions, support workflow and material planning, and assist in transitioning products from engineering to production. You will also solve technical challenges, support prototype builds, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across fabrication and assembly operations.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties associated with Manufacturing Engineering I roles.
• Participates in product design teams and provides Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) input.
• Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes and controls.
• Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gages to support fabrication and assembly.
• Generates, tracks, and maintains Bills of Materials, methods of manufacture, and work/build instructions.
• Supports material and resource planning in coordination with product teams to maintain schedules.
• Assists with planning manufacturing workflow and evaluating space requirements.
• Solves technical problems using engineering references, inspection tools, and established techniques.
• Supports or may lead prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of two years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on engineering experience in fabrication or assembly environments preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in‑process verification, and validation.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

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.