Design Engineer III — Space & Defense Systems

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; 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 and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Program Management professional in Mukilteo, WA, to lead mechanical engineering efforts from concept through deployment. You will design structures, create 2-D/3-D models, and perform analyses, collaborating with manufacturing and field teams to ensure robust hardware meets DoD requirements.

The role emphasizes design leadership, compliance with military specifications, and mentorship of junior engineers while supporting proposals and customer interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience and registration.
• Typically four to seven years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Proven experience leading mechanical design of robust hardware.
• Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and strong experience with GD&T.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools relevant to mechanical systems design.
• Strong mathematical skills and familiarity with material properties, strength, and stress analysis.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with office and engineering tools.
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently with minimal oversight, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in problem‑solving, and ability to balance detailed execution with system‑level awareness.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to support customer interactions.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Responsibilities

• Supports the mechanical engineering group across all aspects of design.
• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems in accordance with customer and industry requirements.
• Creates 2-D layout drawings and 3-D solid model concepts.
• Performs engineering calculations and analyses to confirm design integrity and compliance.
• Reviews and verifies calculation and analysis work completed by peers and junior engineers.
• Leads design efforts on systems and subsystems.
• Documents performance requirements, compliance data, plans, procedures, test reports, and contractual specifications.
• Reviews designs for cost, manufacturability, and quality assurance considerations.
• Creates engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications.
• Supports manufacturing, quality assurance, assembly, testing, and deployment of designs.
• Provides internal and external technical support throughout the product lifecycle.
• Supports proposal development, concept creation, and customer presentations.
• Supports bench and field testing of mechanical components and systems.
• Mentors junior engineers and contributes to team technical development.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

SolidWorks

CAD/CAE tools

Engineering analysis

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Program Management professional in Mukilteo, WA, to lead mechanical engineering efforts from concept through deployment. You will design structures, create 2-D/3-D models, and perform analyses, collaborating with manufacturing and field teams to ensure robust hardware meets DoD requirements.

The role emphasizes design leadership, compliance with military specifications, and mentorship of junior engineers while supporting proposals and customer interactions.