Administrative Assistant

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an on-site Administrative Assistant to support the Vice President and General Manager of Space & Launch. You will manage calendars, coordinate meetings and travel, prepare correspondence and reports, and act as a liaison across teams to ensure smooth operations.

Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma (associates preferred), strong time management, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong time-management and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office; travel planning experience a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the VP and General Manager of Space & Launch.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, events, and travel itineraries.
• Prepare documents, reports, and presentations for leadership.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to enable communication.
• Maintain organized records and documentation; handle confidential material.

Skills

Time management

Multitasking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or higher (preferred in business admin)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Concur travel system

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you support the Vice President and General Manager of Space & Launch by coordinating calendars, communications, meetings, and travel to enable effective daily and strategic operations. You also provide administrative support to designated department leaders, maintain organized documentation, manage logistical needs, and facilitate connections across teams and sites. Your proactive approach, professionalism, and organizational strength help ensure smooth operations and effective collaboration throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive administrative support to the Vice President and General Manager of Defense and designated department leaders.
• Manages calendars, schedules meetings, coordinates events, and supports departmental priorities.
• Prepares and organizes correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and business documents.
• Coordinates domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries and accommodations.
• Serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders to support effective communication.
• Maintains organized records, files, and documentation for efficient information management.
• Exercises sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Anticipates administrative needs, prioritizes competing demands, and recommends process improvements.
• Provides general office support and completes related duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong time‑management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to coordinate travel arrangements and manage travel and expense systems such as Concur.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to use stairs and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or relevant training in business administration or a related field.
• More than 2 years of experience in an office administration role.
• Experience supporting managers or department leaders.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use stairs as required.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and office equipment.
• Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less, including work with computers. The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.