Manufacturing Engineer III

Karman Space & Defense; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

HSA contribution

FSA

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to drive design for manufacturability and develop production processes across the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with engineering, production, and integrated product teams to ensure producibility and quality.

You will influence early design decisions, validate processes, design fixtures and inspection tools, and mentor junior engineers to strengthen the team. The role follows a 9/80 schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on engineering experience in fabrication and assembly environment.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with basic material properties and in-process verification and validation.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supports product design teams by driving design for manufacturability and influencing early development decisions.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers to strengthen team capabilities and skill development.
• Establishes, monitors, and validates production processes and controls as a process owner or SME.
• Designs, develops, and implements complex fixtures, tools, and inspection gauges for fabrication and assembly.
• Coordinates material and resource planning with product teams to support schedule adherence.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup to optimize operational efficiency.
• Solves complex technical problems using engineering references, data, and inspection tools.
• Collaborates with engineers across disciplines to represent manufacturing requirements and ensure cohesive technical execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Eng

Tools

GD&T

Blueprint reading

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 will help ensure that products are designed and manufactured for optimal producibility, quality, and efficiency across the full product lifecycle. You will influence early design decisions, develop and validate production processes, and support continuous improvement efforts while collaborating closely with engineering, production, and integrated product teams.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Supports product design teams by driving design for manufacturability and influencing early development decisions.


• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers to strengthen team capabilities and skill development.


• Establishes, monitors, and validates production processes and controls as a process owner or subject matter expert.


• Designs, develops, and implements complex fixtures, tools, and inspection gages for fabrication and assembly.


• Coordinates material and resource planning with product teams to support schedule adherence.


• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup to optimize operational efficiency.


• Solves complex technical problems using engineering references, data, and inspection tools.


• Collaborates with engineers across disciplines to represent manufacturing requirements and ensure cohesive technical execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.


• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience.


• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly environment.


• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.


• Familiarity with basic material properties and in-process verification and validation.


• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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.