Manufacturing Engineer II

Role details

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 Manufacturing Engineer II, you will aid in the development, production, and application of composite materials. This role supports process planning, tooling design, documentation development, problem resolution, and collaboration across engineering, operations, and program management to ensure successful integration of composite technologies into product lines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day engineering and manufacturing activities to ensure program and customer requirements are met.
• Formulate manufacturing processes that satisfy customer-specified product requirements.
• Develop fabrication and process control documentation for composite products.
• Design or review required tooling to meet production rate and quality needs.
• Serve as a technical interface with customers for status updates, reviews, and problem‑resolution discussions.
• Support root‑cause analysis and corrective action development for nonconformances.
• Perform peer reviews of build documentation and tooling designs.
• Develop pricing and lead‑time estimates for customer requests for quotation or information.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or composite design.
• Exceptional time‑management skills.
• Experience with aerospace composite manufacturing methodologies; autoclave or press molding experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of mid-size corporate processes and systems.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and blueprint reading expertise.
• Proficiency in modeling and drafting.
• Experience with tooling used for composite processing or mechanical assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with design‑for‑manufacturing and assembly for small- and rate‑production programs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across concurrent projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• One‑on‑one customer support experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Special Mentions

• Occasional travel (0–10%) may be 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.