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.

In this role, you support both engineering and manufacturing activities across the full design‑to‑production cycle, ensuring designs are manufacturable, processes are robust, and product transitions into production smoothly. You help develop manufacturing methods, work instructions, and tools that build quality into the product from the start while contributing hands-on support to fabrication, assembly, and prototype development.

Responsibilities

• Supports the design‑development cycle by providing input on design for manufacturability and optimizing producibility.
• Develops manufacturing methods, work instructions, and production line processes to support consistent and efficient fabrication and assembly.
• Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gages that enable accurate and repeatable manufacturing operations.
• Generates and maintains bills of materials, methods of manufacture, and build instructions for assemblies.
• Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes, implementing controls to ensure product quality.
• Coordinates material and resource planning with the product team to support schedule adherence.
• Assists with planning manufacturing workflow and space requirements to optimize production efficiency.
• Troubleshoots technical challenges using engineering resources, reference materials, and inspection tools.
• Supports or leads prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties and in‑process verification and validation.

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.