Manufacturing Engineer I

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 entry‑level role, you support engineering and manufacturing activities across the design‑to‑production cycle. You contribute to creating work instructions, tooling, and bills of materials, and work closely with technicians, suppliers, and internal teams to keep materials, workflows, and prototype builds moving efficiently through the production environment.

Responsibilities

• Supports engineering, program, and product activities throughout the design‑to‑production process.
• Generates bills of materials and work instructions for assemblies.
• Works hands‑on with technicians and hardware during fabrication and assembly tasks.
• Designs, develops, and implements basic fixtures, tools, and inspection gages.
• Supports material and resource planning, including Epicor system updates for bills of materials and methods of manufacture.
• Coordinates material flow across production activities.
• Communicates with cross-functional teams to collect information, gain alignment, and support implementation of solutions.
• Assists with prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.
• Coordinates with suppliers and vendor quality to support procurement and fabrication needs.
• Monitors fabrication and production processes and controls to ensure consistency and quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically, 0–3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Hands‑on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly environment is desired.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams, and work from verbal and written instructions.

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.