Technical Program Manager (Active Clearance)

Socket.dev; 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

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo, WA, seeks an experienced Engineering Manager to lead aerospace programs from planning through delivery. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage cost, schedule, and technical performance, and maintain direct customer communication to meet program commitments.

The role requires 5+ years in engineering, aerospace or systems engineering, and a DoD Secret clearance. You will collaborate with many internal groups to ensure successful program outcomes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related technical field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, including 2+ years in aerospace or systems engineering.
• Current U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional engineering teams in design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Manages program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing priorities.
• Coordinates customer communication to align on objectives.
• Facilitates program planning, technical decision-making, and change management.
• Tracks program performance using key metrics and identifies risks and mitigations.
• Supports technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
• Ensures documentation including drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure delivery.
• Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and transitions from business development to program execution.
• Supports business development through proposal writing and participation in meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Systems engineering

Aerospace engineering

Cost/schedule/risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master’s degree (preferred MBA)

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 Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you will lead complex aerospace and defense programs from planning through delivery, ensuring technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, drive program execution, manage cost and risk, and maintain direct communication with customers and internal stakeholders. Your work enables successful program outcomes and supports mission-critical capabilities across high-priority defense initiatives.

Schedule

• This shift follows a 9/80 schedule: 9 hours Monday through Thursday, 8 hours Friday, with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 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.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• At least 2 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.

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.