Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short‑term disability

Long‑term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead manufacturing engineering across multiple aerospace production lines in Mukilteo, WA. The role focuses on developing scalable processes, ensuring readiness for full-rate production, and aligning engineering priorities with operations to support growth.

The candidate will drive tooling strategy, collaborate with design engineers for manufacturability, and provide daily technical support while maintaining strict

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering.
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops and optimizes manufacturing processes for aerospace production lines.
• Ensures processes are repeatable and scalable from prototype to full-rate production.
• Drives process validation and production ramp-up.
• Provides daily technical support and resolves production issues affecting safety, quality, or delivery.
• Leads tooling and fixture design strategy and equipment/automation implementation.
• Collaborates with Design Engineering for manufacturability.
• Maintains controlled manufacturing documentation and revision control.
• Supports process audits and CAPA activities.
• Leads Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, and Technicians.
• Sets engineering priorities aligned with operations goals.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Process development

Production readiness

Tooling design

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CNC machining

Fixture design

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Operations - Indirect Full Time Management Mukilteo, WA, US

Salary Range: $140,000.00 To $170,000.00 Annually

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 Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads manufacturing engineering activities across multiple complex production lines, ensuring safe, repeatable, and scalable operations. This role drives process development, production readiness, tooling strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a technical connection between Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain. It plays a key role in optimizing manufacturing flow, resolving production challenges, and supporting operational growth in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes for complex aerospace production lines.
• Ensures processes are capable, repeatable, and scalable and supports transition from prototype to full-rate production.
• Drives process validation, production readiness, and smooth production ramp-up.
• Provides daily technical support and troubleshoots manufacturing issues affecting safety, quality, delivery, or productivity.
• Leads tooling and fixture design strategy and evaluates, specifies, and implements equipment and automation solutions.
• Collaborates with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability and efficient process integration.
• Maintains controlled manufacturing documentation and manages revision updates.
• Supports process audits and corrective action activities.
• Leads and develops Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, and Engineering Technicians.
• Establishes engineering priorities aligned with operational goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in a manufacturing engineering leadership role.
• Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience with computer numerical control (CNC) machining, assembly operations, and tooling and fixture design.
• 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

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.