Senior Design Engineer

Karman Space & Defense • Mukilteo, WA

5d • $135,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Senior Design Engineer is part of Karman Space & Defense’s Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. The role leads the design and development of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems from concept through detailed design and validation. It provides technical leadership across multiple programs, guides proposal and concept design efforts, supports prototype builds and testing, and mentors junior engineers while ensuring designs meet customer requirements and engineering standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically 6 or more years of experience designing aerospace and/or defense systems.
• Proven experience designing robust hardware that has passed qualification testing.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, engineering, and drawing conventions.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools relevant to mechanical system design.
• Strong mathematical skills and understanding of material properties, strength, and stress formulas.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office and engineering tools.
• Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a focus on quality and safety.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in solving problems, and ability to balance detailed execution with broader program goals.
• Excellent communication and customer-relationship skills.
• Current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities across programs while supporting the broader engineering group.
• Conceptualize, develop, and design structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and customary engineering standards.
• Perform engineering calculations, analyses, and comprehensive tolerance stack-up assessments.
• Verify calculations and analytical work performed by others.
• Lead design efforts on systems and subsystems, often supporting multiple programs simultaneously.
• Support proposals and quick-turn concept development through computer-aided design (CAD) models and illustrations.
• Generate bills of materials and complete drafting packages.
• Support prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentor and serve as a technical resource for junior engineers.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior