Design Engineer I

Design Engineer

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.

The Design Engineer supports the development of aerospace and flight‑worthy structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems by contributing to conceptual design, analysis, modeling, documentation, and testing activities. This role provides hands‑on design support across the full development cycle and plays a key part in enabling new business development by preparing design concepts, technical content, and proposal inputs aligned with customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Supports all aspects of mechanical design within the engineering group.
• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and applicable standards.
• Identifies off‑the‑shelf mechanical components, evaluates vendors, and requests purchases aligned with delivery needs.
• Creates two‑dimensional layout drawings and three‑dimensional solid model conceptual designs.
• Performs basic mechanical engineering calculations and design analyses to ensure safe operation and compliance with requirements.
• Documents performance requirements, compliance information, test procedures, test reports, and other specifications.
• Reviews designs for cost, manufacturability, and quality assurance considerations.
• Produces engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications in accordance with standards.
• Supports manufacturing, quality assurance, testing, and deployment activities from concept through delivery, including customer technical support.
• Coordinates internal and external manufacturing and assembly efforts.
• Contributes to proposal preparation, presentations, and business development efforts.
• Supports bench and field testing of mechanical components and systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering, or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Basic understanding of SolidWorks.
• Basic understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) or computer‑aided engineering (CAE) tools related to mechanical systems design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.
• Typically 0-3 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.

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.