Chief Engineer

Karman Space & Defense; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA) with公司贡献

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short-and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in California is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead strategic technical development across machining, welding, CNC programming, and complex assembly operations.

You will mentor multidisciplinary teams, drive process innovation, ensure alignment with customer requirements and program goals, and support long‑term growth through technology upgrades and cross‑site collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• 5+ years of leadership or engineering management experience.
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in machining, CNC programming, tool design, and related technologies.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and advanced business systems.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leads process advancement across machining, welding, and assembly forming technologies.
• Applies expertise with aerospace design and manufacturing software such as CATIA.
• Develops and implements robust process controls and new manufacturing methods.
• Oversees tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization.
• Advances engineering data and business systems to improve technical insight, process integration, and productivity.
• Supervises cross-functional engineering teams and aligns staffing, skills, and workload.
• Mentors personnel and supports training, development, and performance management.
• Coordinates execution of project plans, including cost, schedule, and technical objectives.
• Oversees program-level results across engineering and manufacturing interfaces.
• Supports business development efforts by aligning engineering capabilities with new opportunities.
• Develops proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion.
• Drives cross-site collaboration and standardization of tooling, processes, and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Machining & CNC

ERP systems

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or manufacturing engineering

Tools

CATIA

ERP software

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.

The Chief Engineer leads strategic technical development across machining, welding, CNC programming, and complex assembly operations to strengthen manufacturing capability and program execution. This role drives process innovation, oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensures alignment between engineering output, customer requirements, and operational performance targets. Working closely with leadership, the Chief Engineer advances technology, improves execution efficiency, and supports long‑term business growth.

Responsibilities

• Leads process advancement across machining, welding, and assembly forming technologies.
• Applies expertise with aerospace design and manufacturing software such as CATIA.
• Develops and implements robust process controls and new manufacturing methods.
• Oversees tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization.
• Advances engineering data and business systems to improve technical insight, process integration, and productivity.
• Supervises cross‑functional engineering teams and aligns staffing, skills, and workload.
• Mentors personnel and supports training, development, and performance management.
• Coordinates execution of project plans, including cost, schedule, and technical objectives.
• Oversees program‑level results across engineering and manufacturing interfaces.
• Supports business development efforts by aligning engineering capabilities with new opportunities.
• Develops proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion.
• Drives cross‑site collaboration and standardization of tooling, processes, and documentation.
• Interfaces with stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• 5 or more years of leadership or engineering management experience.
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross‑functional teams.
• Expertise in machining, CNC programming, tool design, and related technologies.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and advanced business systems.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in engineering or management.

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

Salary Range

$150,000 - $180,000 USD

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, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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