Jobs at Karman Space & Defense

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.

Develops and maintains division-wide EHS programs to ensure regulatory compliance, reduce risk, and strengthen safe work practices. Provides guidance, leads incident investigations, manages hazardous waste, supports audits, standardizes training and inspections, and ensures accurate third-party EHS reporting across teams and sites.

Manage accurate, compliant multi‑state payroll processing using ADP Workforce Now; handle complex transactions (bonuses, garnishments, off‑cycle checks), reconcile payroll, prepare reports, support year‑end W‑2 activities, investigate discrepancies, maintain data integrity, and support acquisitions and payroll-related process improvements.

Lead a centralized capture and growth organization driving pipeline-to-backlog conversion across four segments. Own capture process, CRM and BD tech stack, CI/PTW, long-range bookings planning, PAC and government relations, coach capture managers, evaluate AI opportunities, and report forecasting to executives.

Lead end-to-end capture and proposal lifecycle for the Space and Launch segment: manage proposal plans, schedules, compliance (Section L/M), cross-functional teams, pricing coordination, CRM pipeline updates, and gate reviews to convert opportunities into awarded contracts.

Lead internal and external communications for a multi-site aerospace and defense company. Develop employee alignment, media relations, executive storytelling, crisis communications, and data-driven measurement. Produce executive speeches, presentations, press materials, and manage cross-functional communication programs to strengthen reputation and engagement.

Lead and grow manufacturing engineering across sites to optimize processes, tooling, and production readiness for complex aerospace products. Drive continuous improvement, NPI readiness, process validation, PFMEAs, and cross-functional alignment with operations, quality, programs, and supply chain. Evaluate automation and capital investments, report KPIs, and support audits and customer requirements.

Lead technical strategy and engineering execution for large-part machining and forming processes across California sites. Drive process innovation, tooling and machine programming, ERP and engineering data system improvements, mentor teams, manage program cost/schedule/technical goals, and support business development and cross-site standardization.

Lead tooling design and process development for metal spin forming and related fabrication. Manage projects end-to-end, implement engineering standards and training, drive continuous improvement (DfSS/Six Sigma), monitor performance metrics, and ensure design for manufacturability across design, operations, and supply chain.

Support and maintain the QMS (AS9100/ISO9001), perform inspections, internal and supplier audits, manage corrective actions, prepare customer quality submittals, support shop-floor assembly and configuration management, and provide training to ensure product conformity and safety.

Administer and manage contracts from initiation through closeout, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and DoD requirements. Review, negotiate, and execute contract terms, maintain contract files, coordinate with program management, accounting, and supply chain, and serve as primary contract point of contact for customers and prime contractors. Track deliverables, report contract status, manage risks, and support audits and customer portal documentation.

Senior financial leader overseeing site financial strategy, reporting, controls, and finance team. Drives budgeting, forecasting, cash management, compliance (SOX, FAR/DFARS), supports audits, investor communications, and partners with site leadership on strategic and operational decisions.

Operate and maintain 5-axis CNC machines, coordinate with NC programmers and management to meet production schedules, ensure AS9100/QMS compliance, perform setups, order tooling, and support product quality and safety on 2nd shift.

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.

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.

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 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 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.