Senior Design Engineer

Karman Space & Defense•Mukilteo, WA

12d•$135,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Karman Space & Defense is hiring a Senior Design Engineer for its Space and Launch business. The business delivers solutions for space programs, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment systems designed for extreme environments and precise mission requirements. The engineer will lead mechanical design of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and flight-worthy systems from concept through detailed design, validation, and qualification. The role supports multiple program teams through analysis and design leadership, and includes hands-on prototyping, testing, and product development. The engineer will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to concept development and proposal activities. The position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience and registration.
Typically six or more years of aerospace or defense design experience.
Proven experience designing hardware that has passed qualification testing.
Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
Proficiency in SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools.
Strong mathematical skills, including understanding of material properties, strength calculations, and stress analysis.
Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and follow written and verbal instructions.
Strong computer skills and familiarity with engineering tools and office applications.
Knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.
Self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks independently, and committed to quality and safety.
Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in problem-solving, and ability to balance detailed work with system-level perspective.
Excellent communication and customer interaction skills.
U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design activities and support engineering teams through all stages of design.
Conceptualize, develop, and design structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems based on customer and industry requirements.
Perform calculations, analyses, and detailed tolerance stack-ups.
Review and verify calculations and analysis work produced by others.
Lead system- and subsystem-level design efforts across multiple programs.
Support proposals and rapid concept development through CAD models and design illustrations.
Generate Bills of Materials and complete drafting packages.
Support prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
Mentor junior engineers and provide design guidance and expertise.