Development Engineer II

Karman Space & Defense; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a mechanical/aerospace engineer to support the development, testing, and deployment of aerospace and defense systems across the product lifecycle. You will contribute to conceptual design, prototype development, and verification testing for military and aerospace programs.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will plan engineering tasks, generate test documentation, analyze data, and engage with customers and technical staff to support program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of relevant experience and registration.
• Typically 2–5 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Basic understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• A current U.S. DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Responsibilities

• Supports planning and execution of projects requiring mechanical system development.
• Assists in meeting customer goals by delivering work on time, within budget, and in alignment with technical and quality standards.
• Supports test planning and execution, including test design, analysis, procedure writing, data collection, and report generation.
• Contributes to business development efforts through needs definition, proposal preparation, and participation in customer reviews.
• Collaborates with technical staff to support proposal development and project performance.
• Performs product development tests, including leading prototype testing and supporting development test series.
• Applies engineering technologies, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation in support of development efforts.
• Participates in project definition and reviews to support clear communication and alignment with customer objectives.
• Uses engineering tools such as SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for aerospace and works effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Skills

Mechanical engineering knowledge

Aerospace/defense experience

Data analysis

Instrumentation understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/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 the development, testing, and deployment of aerospace and defense mechanical systems across all stages of the product lifecycle. You will contribute to conceptual design, prototype development, and verification testing to demonstrate advanced technologies for military and aerospace programs. Working within a multidisciplinary team environment, you will help plan and execute engineering tasks, generate test documentation, analyze data, and engage with customers and technical staff to support program success.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Supports planning and execution of projects requiring mechanical system development.
• Assists in meeting customer goals by delivering work on time, within budget, and in alignment with technical and quality standards.
• Supports test planning and execution, including test design, analysis, procedure writing, data collection, and report generation.
• Contributes to business development efforts through needs definition, proposal preparation, and participation in customer reviews.
• Collaborates with technical staff to support proposal development and project performance.
• Performs product development tests, including leading prototype testing and supporting development test series.
• Applies engineering technologies, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation in support of development efforts.
• Participates in project definition and reviews to support clear communication and alignment with customer objectives.
• Uses engineering tools such as SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for aerospace and works effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of relevant experience and registration.
• Typically 2–5 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Ability to perform product development tests, including prototype testing and support of development test series.
• Basic understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications.

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.