Development Engineer I

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical 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 a leader in rapid design, development, and production of critical aerospace and defense systems. This role supports mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic test planning, setup, and troubleshooting for the Test, Development, and Integration team to deliver technically accurate projects on schedule and within budget.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, with standard working hours, and offers benefits including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
• 0–3 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Basic understanding of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Understanding of hydraulic and thermal systems is a plus.
• Experience programming programmable logic controller (PLC) control systems.
• Basic understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with test planning, execution, and troubleshooting, including test design, analysis, development of test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, and preparation of procedures, plans, and reports.
• Supports delivery of technically accurate aerospace projects by helping maintain schedule, budget adherence, and high standards of completeness and presentation.
• Contributes to engineering project planning and execution for mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic systems.
• Supports continuous improvement of equipment and tooling through implementation of control systems.
• Assists with business development and project performance activities to meet customer needs.
• Demonstrates strong interest in aerospace and contributes in a fast‑paced, hands‑on engineering environment.

Skills

PLC programming

Data acquisition

Thermal systems

Hydraulic systems

Engineering fundamentals

Military specifications

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

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.

In this role, you will support mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic test planning, setup, execution, and troubleshooting for the Test, Development, and Integration team. You will help deliver technically accurate aerospace projects on schedule and within budget while contributing to tooling and fixture improvements. Your work will play a key part in ensuring safe, reliable test processes and high‑quality engineering results.

Schedule

• The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Assists with test planning, execution, and troubleshooting, including test design, analysis, development of test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, and preparation of procedures, plans, and reports.
• Supports delivery of technically accurate aerospace projects by helping maintain schedule, budget adherence, and high standards of completeness and presentation.
• Contributes to engineering project planning and execution for mechanical, thermal, and hydraulic systems.
• Supports continuous improvement of equipment and tooling through implementation of control systems.
• Assists with business development and project performance activities to meet customer needs.
• Demonstrates strong interest in aerospace and contributes in a fast‑paced, hands‑on engineering environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience and registration.
• 0–3 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Basic understanding of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Understanding of hydraulic and thermal systems is a plus.
• Experience programming programmable logic controller (PLC) control systems.
• Basic understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to define problems verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use common hand and power tools.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, and sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, stooping, or carrying up to 50 lbs, minimum 35 lbs.
• Occasional reaching overhead, at shoulder level, and below shoulder level.
• Use of overhead gantry/hoist and occasional forklift driving.
• Wearing hard‑toe shoes and safety glasses. 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.