Additive Engineer

Socket.dev; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense in Huntsville, AL, is seeking an engineer to support R&D of advanced materials and fabrication solutions for defense applications. You will contribute to the design, production, and evaluation of additive manufacturing and composite structures, working hands-on with AM processes and materials.

The role emphasizes collaboration with a broader technical team to deliver innovative material solutions, document results, and ensure qualification of processes for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree in Engineering preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanics of materials.

Responsibilities

• Designs and analyzes advanced material structures for additive manufacturing.
• Fabricates AM components using production-grade equipment.
• Conducts material characterization and testing to validate performance.
• Documents engineering work, test results, and fabrication processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver advanced material solutions.

Skills

Independent work

Effective communication

Mechanics of materials

DOE (design of experiments)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Direct Energy Deposition

Fused Deposition

Job description

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 Maritime Defense Systems business, which delivers integrated solutions with decades of proven performance across submarine, surface, and autonomous naval platforms supporting high-priority national defense programs. Our bow-to-stern capabilities include acoustic and sonar protection systems, propulsion systems, advanced composite structures, missile subsystems, canisters and launchers, and autonomous underwater vehicle subsystems. From concept through production, we combine engineering, materials expertise, specialized manufacturing, and large-scale testing to deliver mission-ready systems that reduce technical risk and support long-term operational performance.

In this role, you will support the research and development of advanced material and fabrication solutions for defense applications, contributing to the design, production, and evaluation of additive manufacturing (AM) and composite structures. You will work hands-on with advanced materials and AM processes while collaborating with a broader technical team to deliver innovative material solutions.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Designs and analyzes advanced material structures for additive manufacturing applications.
• Fabricates AM components using production-grade equipment and processes.
• Conducts material characterization and testing to validate performance.
• Documents engineering work, test results, and fabrication processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver advanced material solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of production-grade additive manufacturing equipment such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Direct Energy Deposition, and Fused Deposition.
• Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software.
• Ability to develop, execute, and document Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks to completion.
• Effective communication skills to support teamwork and project objectives.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanics of materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

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.