Lead Aerospace Mechanical Design Engineer

Karman Space and Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; 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

Disability coverage

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense is seeking a senior mechanical design engineer in Mukilteo, WA to lead design activities from concept through product qualification. You will mentor junior engineers, support proposals, and drive multiple design efforts with hands-on involvement.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace/defense systems, strong GD&T and CAD/CAE skills, and the ability to read complex drawings. Excellent communication and independent work style are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Typically 6+ years designing aerospace/defense systems.
• Experience designing hardware that passed qualification testing.
• Proficient in mechanical design principles and drawing conventions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and GD&T.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools for mechanical systems.
• Strong math, materials, strength, and stress concepts.
• Ability to read drawings and follow instructions.
• Strong computer skills and engineering tools.
• Familiar with military and commercial specifications.
• Independent, multitask, quality- and safety-focused.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
• Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack-ups to validate design intent and performance.
• Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
• Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
• Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
• Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

SolidWorks

Analysis & calculations

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Karman Space and Defense is seeking a senior mechanical design engineer in Mukilteo, WA to lead design activities from concept through product qualification. You will mentor junior engineers, support proposals, and drive multiple design efforts with hands-on involvement.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace/defense systems, strong GD&T and CAD/CAE skills, and the ability to read complex drawings. Excellent communication and independent work style are essential.