Drafter

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense seeks a skilled CAD engineer to support mechanical engineering through drawing packages, tooling concepts, and CAD models that guide prototyping and production. You will collaborate with machine shops, contribute to proposals, and assist with assembly and testing activities.

Your work strengthens engineering output, ensures clear documentation, and supports hardware development across prototype and production stages.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Proficiency with CATIA CAD software.
• Direct composites experience.
• Experience creating CAD drawings and models.
• Familiar with drawing conventions and geometric tolerances.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem solving.
• Good communication and customer relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Creates drawing packages for hardware ranging from prototypes to final designs.
• Interfaces with machine shops to support hardware procurement.
• Supports proposals and presentations with CAD models and illustrations.
• Generates Bills of Materials for assemblies.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development, testing, and product qualification.

Skills

CATIA CAD

Composites experience

CAD drawings

Geometric tolerancing

Reading drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Office software

Independent worker

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

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 support mechanical engineering through the creation of drawing packages, tooling concepts, and computer-aided design (CAD) models that guide prototyping and production. You collaborate with machine shops, contribute to proposal efforts, and assist with assembly and testing activities. Your work strengthens engineering output, ensures clear documentation, and supports successful hardware development across prototype and production stages.

Responsibilities

• Creates drawing packages for hardware ranging from prototypes to final designs.
• Interfaces with machine shops to support hardware procurement.
• Supports proposals and presentations with CAD models and illustrations.
• Generates Bills of Materials for assemblies.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development, testing, and product qualification.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Proficiency in CATIA CAD software.
• Direct composites experience.
• Prior experience creating CAD drawings and models.
• Familiarity with drawing conventions, including geometric tolerances.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office applications.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and adapt with minimal oversight.
• Good communication and customer relationship skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of experience in CATIA.

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.