Senior Analyst

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 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

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Senior Analyst to apply physics-based analysis and structural design to aerospace systems from concept to released drawings. You will use FEMAP/NASTRAN/LS-DYNA and CATIA V5/SolidWorks to assess viability and guide requirements across programs.

You will mentor engineers, prepare engineering documentation, and contribute to standards while maintaining DoD security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Typically 6+ years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Proficiency with FEMAP, NASTRAN, LS‑DYNA, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office.
• Mastery of structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), physics-based modeling, dynamics and kinematics.

Responsibilities

• Applies theories of physics to quantify system performance and derive subsystem requirements.
• Assesses structural viability using classical calculations, FEA, and fatigue/damage-tolerance methods.
• Provides technical oversight to ensure products meet requirements across programs.
• Verifies and documents system compliance through analysis and engineering reports.
• Leads development of engineering reports and presentations.
• Contributes to engineering standards, training materials, and internal guidelines.
• Mentors engineers with lesser experience.

Skills

Technical leadership

Independent work

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

LS-DYNA

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

MS Office

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 applies theories of physics, including classical mechanics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, to support the design, development, and final verification of aerospace systems across multiple development programs. The role focuses on structural design and structural analysis from conceptual design through released engineering drawings and stress analysis reports, while also supporting test planning and preparing required documentation. The position additionally involves modeling pyrotechnic and pneumatic gas dynamics, multi‑body kinematics, and heat‑transfer problems.

The Senior Analyst supports the design, development, and verification of aerospace systems by applying physics-based analysis, structural design practices, and engineering judgment to ensure performance and compliance. The role contributes technical leadership across multiple programs, guides requirement development, supports test planning, and prepares engineering documentation that advances program objectives.

Responsibilities

• Applies theories of physics to engineering problems to quantify system performance, support concept-of-operations decisions, and drive derivation of subsystem requirements.
• Assesses structural viability of systems, structures, and mechanisms using classical calculations, finite element analysis, and fatigue and damage‑tolerance methods.
• Provides technical oversight across programs to ensure products meet applicable requirements.
• Verifies and documents system compliance through analysis and engineering documentation.
• Leads development of engineering reports and presentations.
• Contributes to engineering standards, training materials, and internal guidelines.
• Mentors and develops engineers with lesser experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Typically possesses 6 or more years of aerospace or defense experience.
• Proficiency with FEMAP, NASTRAN, LS‑DYNA, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office.
• Mastery of structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), physics‑based modeling, dynamics and kinematics, advanced high‑strength materials, and design and test practices.
• Strong understanding of underlying analysis theory.
• Demonstrated technical leadership with the ability to plan and execute multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and operate with minimal oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication, technical report writing, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Demonstrated experience applying composite material properties and methods in structural analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.

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.