Senior Systems Engineer
About The Position
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions for the U.S. Department of War and its allies, as well as the growing demand for access to space. The company delivers 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 position is part of the Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems for missions across air, land, and sea. The business combines analysis, engineering, and program execution to deliver mission-tailored solutions. Its technologies include launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems. The Senior Systems Engineer provides technical leadership across aerospace system development efforts, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams as they mature complex mechanical systems and structures. The role drives system architecture decisions, leads verification and validation activities, coordinates program-wide technical efforts, and mentors less experienced engineers to ensure engineering rigor and alignment with system requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field.
- Typically 6 or more years of aerospace or defense engineering experience, including 2 or more years performing relevant systems engineering work.
- Experience developing mechanical systems and structures, electronics, electrical cabling, system integration, and qualification testing.
- Mastery of general aerospace engineering knowledge, including structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), physics-based modeling, dynamics, kinematics, advanced high-strength materials, design, and test.
- Demonstrated technical leadership and strong ability to develop, plan, and execute multidisciplinary projects.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain focus on quality and safety.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with the ability to track high-level goals while focusing on detailed execution.
- 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 program-level technical oversight to ensure products meet applicable requirements.
- Ensure programs maintain a balanced emphasis on design, analysis, and test activities to achieve robust system performance.
- Drive system architecture decisions by modeling system behavior and supporting requirements decomposition.
- Assess the completeness of system requirements, verify compliance, and document results.
- Drive development of test plans to validate system performance.
- Lead creation of engineering reports and presentations.
- Lead development of interface control drawings and interface description documents.
- Contribute to company engineering standards, training, and guidelines.
- Mentor, train, and develop less experienced 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
