Director of Engineering - Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Karman Space and Defense- South El Monte; South El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense is hiring a Director of Engineering in South El Monte, CA, to lead strategy, capability development, and technical execution for large-platform machining and forming operations. You will drive process controls, coordinate cross-site activities, and ensure delivery, quality, and productivity.

The role requires a BS/MS in engineering, 10+ years in aerospace/defense manufacturing, and 5+ years in leadership, with ERP experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years in engineering leadership or management.
• Demonstrated success leading complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in machining, spin forming, or related forming technologies.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced business systems.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads advancement of large-part machining, spin forming, and bump forming technologies to strengthen technical capability and manufacturing performance.
• Develops and implements process controls and new manufacturing methods that meet customer and business requirements.
• Oversees tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization initiatives.
• Drives improvement of engineering data systems to enhance technical insight, integration, and productivity.
• Supervises cross-functional engineering and program teams, ensuring effective assignment of skills and balanced workloads.
• Mentors personnel, supports development planning, and manages performance expectations.
• Coordinates staffing and execution of project plans covering cost, schedule, and technical goals.
• Owns program-level results and standards across engineering and manufacturing interfaces.
• Supports business development by aligning technical capabilities with new customer opportunities and proposal development.
• Leads cross-site collaboration and standardization in processes, tooling, and documentation.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Master of Science in engineering or management

Tools

CATIA

Vericut

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Job description

Karman Space and Defense is hiring a Director of Engineering in South El Monte, CA, to lead strategy, capability development, and technical execution for large-platform machining and forming operations. You will drive process controls, coordinate cross-site activities, and ensure delivery, quality, and productivity.

The role requires a BS/MS in engineering, 10+ years in aerospace/defense manufacturing, and 5+ years in leadership, with ERP experience and strong communication skills.