Aerospace Assembly - Entry Level

Karman Space & Defense; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-paid life insurance

Short-and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense, based in Brea, California, seeks Assembly Technicians to support engineering and manufacturing. This role is integral to building mission-critical hardware and includes tasks across various assembly processes.

The ideal candidate must possess basic computer skills and the ability to use hand tools, following precise instructions to maintain quality and safety standards. The position involves a second shift schedule with training on the first shift required.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of QMS reporting, record keeping, and procedural compliance.

Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical and production assembly tasks.
• Uses solvents and bonding materials safely.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area daily.
• Adheres to quality management system (QMS) procedures.
• Supports continuous improvement and performs additional assembly tasks.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Use of hand tools

Following instructions

Knowledge of QMS

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Basic measuring tools

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.

Assembly Technicians support engineering, manufacturing, and production teams by performing hands‑on tasks that directly contribute to building mission‑critical hardware. This role works across various assembly processes, prepares materials, follows precise instructions, and helps maintain quality and safety standards essential to successful space and launch operations.

Schedule

Second shift. Night shift candidates must be able to train on first shift before transitioning to second shift.

Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical and production assembly tasks using verbal and written instructions.
• Uses solvents and bonding materials safely and according to requirements.
• Operates hand tools and measuring tools to support assembly work.
• Supports thermal protection system assembly, receiving activities, packaging, and shipping.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area daily.
• Adheres to quality management system (QMS) procedures, reporting requirements, and record‑keeping expectations.
• Communicates effectively with internal teams to support production flow and customer needs.
• Contributes to product conformity and product safety through daily assembly activities.
• Supports continuous improvement and performs additional assembly tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to use hand tools and basic measuring tools.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of QMS reporting, record keeping, and procedural compliance.
• High school diploma or equivalent work experience.

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.