Chief Engineer, Aerospace Manufacturing & Systems

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 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.