Development Engineer III

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a mechanical or aerospace engineer to lead development activities that move new aerospace technologies from concept to demonstration and full‑scale system deployment. You will plan tests, develop prototypes, analyze data, and collaborate with customers to verify designs, reduce risk, and ensure performance, while mentoring junior engineers within a multidisciplinary team.

A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering and 4–7 years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent in relevant experience and registration.
• 4–7 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Proven experience in leading product development tests, including development testing and assisting in qualification testing.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Solid understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications.
• A current U.S. DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning and execution of testing required for mechanical system development.
• Supports engineering teams to meet client goals on schedule, within budget, and to high standards of technical accuracy and completeness.
• Designs and analyzes tests, writes procedures and plans, oversees data collection, and prepares test reports.
• Supports business development and project performance activities to align solutions with customer needs.
• Leads proposal efforts by collaborating with clients and internal technical teams to develop requirements, presentations, and project definitions.
• Serves as a mentor and technical resource for junior engineers.

Skills

Test planning

Prototype development

Data analysis

Customer engagement

Mentorship

Team leadership

Data acquisition

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

Data acquisition systems

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 lead development engineering activities that bring new aerospace and defense mechanical technologies from concept to demonstration and full‑scale system deployment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you drive test planning, prototype development, data analysis, and customer engagement to verify designs, reduce technical risk, and ensure successful product performance. Your work directly advances program objectives and strengthens Karman’s ability to deliver high‑value solutions for military and aerospace applications.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning and execution of testing required for mechanical system development.
• Supports engineering teams to meet client goals on schedule, within budget, and to high standards of technical accuracy and completeness.
• Designs and analyzes tests, writes procedures and plans, oversees data collection, and prepares test reports.
• Supports business development and project performance activities to align solutions with customer needs.
• Leads proposal efforts by collaborating with clients and internal technical teams to develop requirements, presentations, and project definitions.
• Serves as a mentor and technical resource for junior engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent in relevant experience and registration.
• 4–7 years of aerospace and/or defense experience.
• Proven experience in leading product development tests, including development testing and assisting in qualification testing.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of multiple engineering technologies.
• Solid understanding of SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of military and commercial specifications.
• 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 or aerospace engineering.

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.