Polymer Production Technician

Karman Space & Defense; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense in Gulfport, MS, designs and builds critical defense systems for submarine and naval platforms. This hands-on role focuses on composite fabrication and repair to support production for submarine fleets and maintenance programs.

You will work with fiberglass materials, prepare molds, perform repairs, and collaborate with a skilled team to ensure parts meet exact specifications and safety standards in a fast-paced military manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to read repair instructions.
• Ability to read and follow service manuals and math requirements.
• Safety-conscious with attention to detail in repairs and fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on composite fabrication and repair for submarine-related programs.
• Prepare molds, apply fiberglass materials, and handle components to spec.
• Ensure parts meet thickness, density, contours, and required specifications.
• Collaborate with team to maintain production throughput and quality.
• Follow safety procedures and document activities as required.
• Support maintenance and production for defense systems projects.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading service manuals

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

GED or HS diploma

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 Maritime Defense Systems business, which delivers integrated solutions with decades of proven performance across submarine, surface, and autonomous naval platforms supporting high-priority national defense programs. Our bow-to-stern capabilities include acoustic and sonar protection systems, propulsion systems, advanced composite structures, missile subsystems, canisters and launchers, and autonomous underwater vehicle subsystems. From concept through production, we combine engineering, materials expertise, specialized manufacturing, and large-scale testing to deliver mission-ready systems that reduce technical risk and support long-term operational performance.

In this role, you will perform hands-on composite fabrication, repair, mold preparation, and material handling activities that directly support production for submarine fleet and maintenance programs. You will build parts from fiberglass materials, prepare molds, perform repairs, and work closely with team members to ensure components meet required specifications. Your work helps maintain manufacturing throughput and supports high-quality product delivery for critical defense programs.

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.

Responsibilities

• Performs repairs on damaged or defective fiberglass parts, ensuring correct thickness, density, and contours.
• Selects precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials based on part requirements.
• Prepares molds by applying, buffing, and removing wax, sealers, and release agents.
• Handles chemicals, solvents, and composite materials safely while trimming excess materials from molds.
• Reads, interprets, and follows instructions, service manuals, and basic mathematical requirements.
• Collaborates effectively with team members to meet production timelines.
• Applies strong time-management and communication skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Maintains attention to detail to ensure parts and repairs meet required specifications.
• Adheres to safety procedures while performing all fabrication and repair tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to read service manuals and follow repair instructions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to plan work ahead.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and complete tasks thoroughly.
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions and perform basic math.
• Ability to handle chemicals and solvents safely.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Safety-conscious work habits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reliable transportation.
• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent.
• Basic computer skills.
• Experience laying up fiberglass parts for lamination.
• Organizational skills with the ability to multitask.
• Two to three years of experience in trade skills such as carpentry, mechanics, or finishing.
• Knowledge of composite materials and processes including carbon fiber, fiberglass, resin infusion, vacuum bagging, and mold preparation.
• Mechanical aptitude.

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.