Director of Manufacturing Engineering

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.

In this role, you will lead manufacturing engineering strategy and execution across all production value streams. You will drive process capability, technical problem-solving, new product introduction readiness, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment among engineering, operations, quality, programs, and supply chain. You will guide the development of scalable, high-performance manufacturing systems that strengthen safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance across Karman’s facilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops a cross-functional team of manufacturing engineers, machinists, computer numerical control (CNC) programmers, and industrial engineers to standardize planning, work instructions, and manufacturing flow.
• Establishes technical direction for manufacturing engineering, including process design, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and assembly approaches.
• Builds a culture of accountability, ownership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Defines and maintains standard manufacturing processes, specifications, and work instructions using continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Implements process controls including process failure mode and effects analyses (PFMEAs), validations, and capability studies.
• Drives improvements in throughput, setup time, scrap reduction, cycle time, and labor efficiency.
• Incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support machining and labor-hour proposal estimates.
• Collaborates with design engineering and customers to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Leads manufacturing readiness activities including tooling, process validation, and production ramp.
• Coordinates with program management, quality, and supply chain to support on-time and cost-effective product launches.
• Partners with operations and site leadership to meet production goals and resolve technical barriers.
• Works with quality teams to ensure adherence to aerospace and defense standards such as AS9100.
• Interfaces with supply chain to support supplier capability, manufacturability, and technical requirements.
• Supports customer and regulatory audits and provides required technical documentation.
• Assesses and implements new technologies, automation, and equipment to strengthen manufacturing capability.
• Supports long-term strategies for manufacturing scalability, factory layout, and capital investment.
• Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) for process stability, efficiency, and capacity.
• Provides regular updates to executive leadership on performance trends, major risks, and improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Ten or more years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or complex precision manufacturing.
• Five or more years of leadership experience overseeing technical teams.
• Experience in machining, composites, assembly, or special processes relevant to Karman’s capabilities.
• Experience with AS9100 or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
• Expertise in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), CNC programming, and manufacturing analytics tools.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills with experience optimizing manufacturing flow and tooling setups.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-mix engineering and manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to drive initiatives to completion.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both manufacturing floor and office environments.
• Ability to move through machining, assembly, and inspection areas.
• Periodic travel between facilities may be required. The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.