Senior Design Engineer

Karman Space and Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 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

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense is seeking a senior mechanical design engineer in Mukilteo, WA to lead design activities from concept through product qualification. You will mentor junior engineers, support proposals, and drive multiple design efforts with hands-on involvement.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace/defense systems, strong GD&T and CAD/CAE skills, and the ability to read complex drawings. Excellent communication and independent work style are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Typically 6+ years designing aerospace/defense systems.
• Experience designing hardware that passed qualification testing.
• Proficient in mechanical design principles and drawing conventions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and GD&T.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAE tools for mechanical systems.
• Strong math, materials, strength, and stress concepts.
• Ability to read drawings and follow instructions.
• Strong computer skills and engineering tools.
• Familiar with military and commercial specifications.
• Independent, multitask, quality- and safety-focused.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
• Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack-ups to validate design intent and performance.
• Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
• Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
• Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
• Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

SolidWorks

Analysis & calculations

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

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.

Full Time Mukilteo, Mukilteo, WA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 3916

Salary Range: $135,000.00 To $180,000.00 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.

In this role, you lead the design and development of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and systems from concept through detailed design, validation, and product qualification. You guide engineering activities, support new business pursuits, and mentor junior engineers while managing multiple design efforts with a high degree of autonomy and hands‑on involvement.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
• Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack‑ups to validate design intent and performance.
• Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
• Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
• Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
• Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically 6 or more years of experience designing aerospace and/or defense systems.
• Proven experience designing hardware that has successfully passed qualification testing.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools relevant to mechanical systems.
• Strong mathematical skills and understanding of material properties, strength, and stress formulas.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and work from verbal and written instructions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools.
• Detailed knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain a quality‑and safety‑focused approach.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in solving technical problems, and ability to balance detailed work with broader program goals.
• Excellent communication and customer‑relationship skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent advanced degree.
• Registration or equivalent relevant professional credential.

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.

• 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
• Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
• Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack‑ups to validate design intent and performance.
• Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
• Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
• Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
• Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
• Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically 6 or more years of experience designing aerospace and/or defense systems.
• Proven experience designing hardware that has successfully passed qualification testing.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of computer‑aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools relevant to mechanical systems.
• Strong mathematical skills and understanding of material properties, strength, and stress formulas.
• Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and work from verbal and written instructions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools.
• Detailed knowledge of design‑based military and commercial specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain a quality‑and safety‑focused approach.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in solving technical problems, and ability to balance detailed work with broader program goals.
• Excellent communication and customer‑relationship skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent advanced degree.
• Registration or equivalent relevant professional credential.

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.

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.

9/80 schedule M-F 8am start, every other Friday off.