Assembly Technician II

Karman Space & Defense; West Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; 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

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an Assembly Technician to perform hands-on mechanical builds and support testing and production flow.

Ideal candidates have 2–5 years in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing, strong tool skills, and a proactive work ethic. A valid driver’s license is required, and the role involves working with ERP systems and following safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience with basic hand and power tools and strong mechanical aptitude.
• Typically 2–5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing environments.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical assembly according to verbal and written instructions, including fastening, bonding, and riveting.
• Supports engineering testing and manufacturing tasks as needed.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, and technical diagrams.
• Uses chemicals, adhesives, and solvents as required.
• Works within ERP systems such as Epicor to track hardware and support job completion.
• Assists with test setup and execution.
• Assists with packaging and shipping of hardware and equipment.
• Observes safety and security procedures and reports potential hazards.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Power 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.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight‑proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission‑critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

Assembly Technicians support daily production and engineering operations by performing hands‑on mechanical builds, assisting with testing, preparing hardware for shipment, and helping maintain efficient workflow across manufacturing areas. This role contributes directly to assembling components, supporting engineering processes, and ensuring hardware moves smoothly through production to meet schedule and quality expectations.

Schedule

• This shift follows a 9/80 schedule: 9 hours Monday–Thursday, 8 hours Friday, every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical assembly according to verbal and written instructions, including fastening, bonding, and riveting.
• Supports engineering testing and manufacturing tasks as needed.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, and technical diagrams.
• Uses chemicals, adhesives, and solvents as required.
• Works within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Epicor to track hardware and support job completion.
• Assists with test setup and execution.
• Assists with packaging and shipping of hardware and equipment.
• Observes safety and security procedures and reports potential hazards.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Experience with basic hand and power tools and strong mechanical aptitude.
• Typically 2–5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong desire to work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical and repetitive work.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Use of stairs.
• Occasional heavy lifting.
• 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.