Senior Space Manufacturing Engineer – DFMA & Prototyping

Karman Space & Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to advance producibility for aerospace components. You will read complex drawings, design fixtures, and generate work instructions for fabrication and assembly in a defense-focused environment.

The role emphasizes DFMA, process validation, and collaboration with design and supplier teams to meet stringent quality standards and delivery timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field, or 7 years of applicable in-field experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering experience in a fabrication and assembly shop environment.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams, and work from verbal and written instructions.
• Familiarity with basic material properties, in-process verification, and validation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000, AS9100, or similar quality systems.
• U.S. person status under export control laws.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with design teams to ensure producibility and apply DFMA principles.
• Validates and monitors fabrication and production processes and controls.
• Designs, develops, and implements fixtures, tools, and inspection gauges for fabrication and assembly.
• Generates bills of materials and manufacturing work instructions.
• Supports material and resource planning for production activities.
• Coordinates with suppliers and vendor quality teams to support sourcing and production needs.
• Analyzes and plans manufacturing workflow and space requirements.
• Communicates across the organization to gather information, gain alignment, and implement solutions.
• Resolves technical issues using engineering references, inspection tools, and verification techniques.
• Assists with prototype builds and evaluations of materials and processes.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Fabrication shop experience

Education

B.S. in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering OR 7 years experience

Tools

ISO 9000 familiarity

AS9100 familiarity

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to advance producibility for aerospace components. You will read complex drawings, design fixtures, and generate work instructions for fabrication and assembly in a defense-focused environment.

The role emphasizes DFMA, process validation, and collaboration with design and supplier teams to meet stringent quality standards and delivery timelines.