Jobs at Karman Space & Defense

Hands-on internship applying classroom knowledge to manufacturing, automation, quality, and engineering systems. Work on projects with operational impact, receive mentorship from aerospace engineering leaders, and gain exposure to modern manufacturing technologies in office and shop-floor environments.

Develop and document manufacturing processes for aerospace composite products, design tooling, oversee production, solve production issues, perform root cause analysis, support RFQs/RFIs, and liaise with customers and multidisciplinary teams to meet program requirements.

Lead site EHS strategy and programs, ensure regulatory compliance (Cal/OSHA, environmental regs), drive KPI improvements (TRIR, DART), conduct incident investigations, implement CAPAs, deliver training, mentor EHS staff, and support capital projects and emergency preparedness to foster a proactive safety culture.

Coordinate master production schedules and inventory; integrate sales orders with the master schedule; develop SIOP demand and capacity plans; negotiate with suppliers; maintain and revise distribution schedules; lead forecasting and planning meetings with sales, production, purchasing, and shipping; ensure materials, equipment, and staffing meet delivery dates.

Lead corporate tax function for a publicly traded aerospace and defense company: manage ASC 740 income tax provisions and SEC reporting, federal/state/international compliance, transfer pricing, R&D incentives, FAR/CAS-related tax treatment, SOX controls, external advisors and audits, tax planning for M&A and cross-border operations, and present tax risk to executives and Audit Committee.

Operate and maintain CNC milling machines, set up jobs, read blueprints and GD&T, take precise measurements, monitor production quality, perform minor maintenance, and follow safety procedures.

Lead business development and corporate strategy for integrating Karman manufacturing technologies into turnkey system solutions. Manage customer engagement, capture strategy, proposals, CRM-driven sales forecasting, and negotiations to drive bookings, revenue, margins, and product roadmap alignment across aerospace and defense markets.

Lead business development and corporate strategy for Space and Defense markets (Space & Launch, Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles). Drive sales growth for integrated subsystem solutions, manage and inspire the BD team, develop market/product growth strategies, pursue government and prime-contractor relationships, and represent the company at meetings and conferences. Frequent travel to engage key customers.

Oversee daily shipping, receiving, transportation, and driver supervision for aerospace and defense programs. Ensure regulatory and export compliance (ITAR/EAR/DOT/OSHA), maintain inventory and documentation, manage carriers and freight forwarders, implement process improvements, audit shipping/receiving operations, and coordinate with production, procurement, quality, and program teams to meet delivery schedules.

Operate and maintain CNC machines to meet production and quality requirements for aerospace/defense parts. Coordinate with NC programmers and management on setups, tooling, scheduling, and AS9100 QMS processes. Maintain cleanliness, perform basic maintenance, order tooling, interpret blueprints, and report issues affecting quality or delivery.

Operate and maintain 3- and 5-axis CNC machines, coordinate setups with NC programmers and management, ensure tooling and NC programs readiness, follow AS9100/QMS procedures, maintain quality and safety, order cutters/tooling, and work night shift with occasional Saturday overtime.

Operate and maintain 5-axis CNC machines (night shift), coordinate with NC programmers and management to meet customer demand, follow AS9100/QMS procedures, manage tooling and fixtures, ensure product quality and safety, and perform related shop duties.

Support aerospace quality by executing and verifying QMS and contractual requirements. Lead continuous improvement using statistical methods, perform FAIs per AS9102, review drawings/procedures, support inspections, failure investigations, MRB decisions, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to maintain ISO-certified quality systems.

Lead preparation and filing of quarterly and annual SEC reports (10-Q/10-K); draft financial statements, notes, MD&A, and technical accounting memos; oversee equity and stock-based compensation accounting; prepare consolidated cash flows; support month/quarter close, SOX compliance, audits, and cross-functional coordination; drive process improvements and system enhancements.

Write, edit, and optimize CNC programs for 3- and 5-axis machines to produce complex aerospace parts. Maintain programs to current print/model revisions, follow QMS and safety procedures, integrate with Production/Quality/Program Management, and comply with ITAR and federal hiring requirements.

Lead HR partner for multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturing sites. Provide strategic and operational HR leadership, supervise a team of site HRBPs, drive workforce planning, talent processes, employee relations, compliance with California and government contracting rules, and support integrations, onboarding, and HR operational consistency across sites.

Writes, edits, and optimizes CNC programs for 3- and 5-axis machines to produce complex aerospace parts. Maintains programs to current print/model revisions, integrates with production, quality, and program management, follows QMS and safety procedures, and uses CAD/CAM tools (CATIA) and office software.

Lead manufacturing engineering for producibility, process development, and production transitions. Create fixtures, tools, work instructions, and BOMs; validate processes, support production planning, troubleshoot fabrication/assembly issues, and support prototype builds.

Lead engineering strategy and implementation for advanced aerospace manufacturing (machining, CNC, welding, assembly). Oversee tooling, machine programming, process controls, ERP/data systems, and cross-functional teams to meet cost, schedule, and technical goals while supporting business development and standardization across sites.

Operate and maintain 5-axis CNC machines (Siemens/Fanuc), coordinate with programmers and management, follow AS9100/QMS procedures, ensure product conformity and safety, order tooling, perform setups, and support continuous improvement in a manufacturing/shop environment.