Manufacturing Engineer III

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account with company"s

Flexible Spending Accounts

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer III to ensure products are designed for manufacturability and supported by robust production processes through the lifecycle. You will collaborate with engineering and production to optimize methods, lead development efforts, solve challenges, and mentor engineers from design to production.

The role requires a DoD clearance or eligibility, strong hands-on fabrication experience, and the ability to read blueprints and GD&T.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Familiarity with material properties, in-process verification, and validation methods.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Current DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Drives DFMA efforts as a key member of the design team.
• Establishes and validates production processes and controls as process owner.
• Designs fixtures, tooling, and inspection gauges for fabrication and assembly.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and supports their development.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup.
• Supports material and resource planning while coordinating with product teams.
• Solves complex technical challenges using engineering references and methods.
• Represents manufacturing requirements across engineering disciplines.
• Performs duties consistent with Manufacturing Engineer I and II as needed.

Skills

6+ years experience

Blueprint reading

Fabrication expertise

GD&T proficiency

DoD security clearance eligible

Process development

DFMA knowledge

Mentor junior engineers

Education

Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

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.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission‑ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip‑to‑tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Manufacturing Engineer III, you play a key role in ensuring products are designed for manufacturability and supported by robust, repeatable production processes throughout the product lifecycle. You collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to optimize manufacturing methods, lead process development efforts, solve complex technical challenges, and mentor developing engineers while supporting successful product transition from design through production.

Responsibilities

• Drives Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) efforts as a key member of the product design team.
• Establishes, monitors, and validates production processes and controls while serving as a process owner or subject matter expert for critical manufacturing processes.
• Designs, develops, and implements complex fixtures, tooling, and inspection gages to support fabrication and assembly operations.
• Mentors junior manufacturing engineers and supports their technical development.
• Leads manufacturing workflow planning and production line setup activities.
• Supports material and resource planning while coordinating with product teams to maintain production schedules.
• Solves complex technical challenges using engineering references, inspection methods, and analytical techniques.
• Collaborates across engineering disciplines to represent manufacturing engineering requirements and objectives.
• Performs duties consistent with Manufacturing Engineer I and II responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong 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 material properties, in‑process verification, and validation methods.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

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.