Development Engineer II

Karman Space & Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account with companycon

Flexible Spending Accounts

Company‑paid life and AD & D insurance

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a mechanical/aerospace engineer to support development, testing, and deployment of advanced mechanical systems for aerospace and defense programs. You will assist with concept development, prototype fabrication, design verification testing, and full-scale system advancement as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include project planning, test design, data collection and analysis, and collaboration with clients and technical staff to meet

Qualifications

• BS or MS in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent experience.
• Typical 2–5 years in aerospace or defense.
• Solid understanding of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and regulations.
• Ability to write reports and present information effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems and apply algebra/geometry.

Responsibilities

• Supports engineering project planning and execution for mechanical system development.
• Assists in delivering client objectives on time and within budget while ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Contributes to test planning, design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Supports business development and project performance efforts to meet customer needs.
• Interacts with clients to support needs definition, proposals, and reviews.
• Collaborates with technical staff on proposal development and project execution planning.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for aerospace and a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Data acquisition

Technical reading & writing

Mathematical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. or M.S. 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.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission‑ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip‑to‑tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you will support the development, testing, and deployment of advanced mechanical systems for aerospace and defense programs. You will assist with concept development, prototype fabrication, design verification testing, and full‑scale system advancement as part of a multi‑disciplinary engineering team. Your work will help validate emerging technologies, strengthen product performance, and ensure successful execution of development programs.

Responsibilities

• Supports engineering project planning and execution for mechanical system development.
• Assists in delivering client objectives on time and within budget while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Contributes to test planning and execution, including test design, procedure development, data collection, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Supports business development and project performance efforts to meet customer needs.
• Interacts with clients to support needs definition, proposal presentations, and project reviews.
• Collaborates with technical staff on proposal development and project execution planning.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for aerospace and a strong desire to work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Typically 2 to 5 years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Solid understanding of data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform product development testing, including prototype test support.
• Basic knowledge of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD &T).
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, journals, periodicals, and regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and present information effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule‑based instructions.
• Ability to apply basic algebra and geometry and perform calculations such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.