Design 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.

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.

The Design Engineer II supports the conceptualization, design, development, testing, and deployment of aerospace and flight-worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products, and systems. This includes the design and development of bespoke, high-energy actuation systems, including pyrotechnic, high-pressure gas, and electrical mechanisms, requiring advanced engineering design, analytical justification, and thorough validation through testing. The primary focus of this position is design support, with an emphasis on developing existing technologies into new systems for the Space Systems Integrated Product Team and supporting new business development efforts. Successful candidates take ownership of their work, communicate technical concepts clearly, translate complex customer requirements and poorly defined problems into actionable solutions, and work collaboratively with customers and cross-functional teams. Candidates should also bring a hands-on approach to assembling, testing, and demonstrating hardware and a curious, persistent mindset when solving challenging engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• A strong desire to take ownership of your products, actively assembling, testing, and demonstrating hands-on excellence that rivals our technicians.
• Proactively securing engineering concurrence on key decisions.
• Communicating clearly and succinctly, especially when explaining complex engineering concepts and generating graphics.
• Able to distill complex customer requirements and poorly defined problems into actionable scope.
• Supports all aspects of mechanical design within the engineering group.
• Supports bench and field testing of mechanical elements and systems through hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, instrumentation, data processing, and other activities to support design development and validation.
• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and industry standards.
• Identifies off-the-shelf components, evaluates suppliers, and requests purchases to meet delivery timelines.
• Produces two-dimensional layout drawings and three-dimensional solid model concepts.
• Performs basic engineering calculations and analyses to ensure safe and compliant design performance.
• Assists in system design efforts and owns subsystem- and component-level design tasks.
• Documents performance requirements, compliance data, test procedures, test reports, and other contractual specifications.
• Reviews design for manufacturability, cost considerations, and quality assurance requirements.
• Creates engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications according to applicable standards.
• Supports manufacturing, assembly, quality assurance, testing, and deployment from concept through delivery, including internal and external technical support.
• Contributes to proposal development, presentations, and business development activities.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
• Typically, 2–5 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Demonstrated experience designing robust hardware.
• Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools used for mechanical systems design.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to take ownership of engineering tasks and work effectively through complex or ambiguous problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.
• Experience with aerospace mechanisms, actuation systems, or other flight-worthy mechanical systems.
• Experience supporting hands-on fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Experience supporting new product development or business development activities.

A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

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.