Production Technician-Lead

Production Technician - Lead

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 Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you will lead production activities by operating molding and casting equipment, preparing and inspecting composite components, and supporting accurate and efficient workflows. You will help maintain high-quality standards, guide production teams, and work closely with engineering and manufacturing groups to resolve issues and meet schedule and customer commitments.

Responsibilities

• Sets up, operates, and tends molding, casting, and core‑making machines to support composite production.
• Prepares molds by cleaning, smoothing, repairing surfaces, and addressing imperfections.
• Mixes and measures compounds and loads materials into molds or machine cavities.
• Measures and inspects products using precision instruments to verify dimensional and surface compliance.
• Reviews blueprints and work instructions to determine production methods and sequences.
• Maintains and adjusts production and processing equipment, including fixtures, tables, and temperature controls.
• Applies ISO 9001/Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100) requirements throughout production activities.
• Collaborates with supervisors, technicians, manufacturing engineering, and materials teams to resolve quality or process issues.
• Provides guidance and training to production teams and supports staffing prioritization to meet schedule requirements.
• Completes work orders and travelers according to established schedules.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Minimum of 3–4 years of experience in composite manufacturing.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion.

Special Mentions

Second shift, Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

• None supported.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, or sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, stooping, or carrying up to 50 lbs, with a minimum of 35 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Holding, grasping, turning, or working with the hands.
• Occasional overhead, shoulder‑level, and below‑shoulder reaching.
• Occasional forklift driving. 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.