Senior Technical Program Manager

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; 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 and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense seeks a seasoned leader to plan, execute, and deliver complex aerospace programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage performance, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure mission-ready outcomes.

The role emphasizes program planning, risk management, and coordination with internal and external partners, including contracts and finance, to meet schedule and budget commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering required.
• 7+ years in engineering; 4+ years in aerospace or systems engineering.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of aerospace programs.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams.
• Manage customer and stakeholder communication.
• Ensure technical, schedule, and contractual commitments.
• Maintain program performance metrics and mitigate risks.
• Support proposal efforts and business development.
• Ensure thorough documentation of activities.

Skills

Project planning

Cross-functional leadership

Cost, schedule, risk management

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

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 supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight‑proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission‑ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

In this role, you will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex aerospace and defense programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements. You will guide cross‑functional engineering teams, manage program performance, coordinate customer and stakeholder communication, and ensure technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. Your work directly supports mission‑critical capabilities and advances key company programs.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Interfaces with customers and internal leadership to maintain clear communication and alignment.
• Supports business development through proposal writing and participation in new business meetings.
• Ensures complete and accurate documentation of engineering activities, including drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Tracks program performance using key metrics and proactively identifies risks and mitigation actions.
• Supports technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
• Facilitates program planning, technical decision‑making, and change management across engineering teams.
• Manages scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities.
• Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and the transition from business development to program execution.
• Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful program delivery.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 7 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 4 years in aerospace engineering or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• At least 4 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.

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.