Composites Manufacturing Engineer ll

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.

As a Composites Manufacturing Engineer II, you will develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and documentation that enable reliable production of complex composite aerospace products. You will support daily project execution, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, solve production challenges, and help ensure technical requirements, quality standards, and customer expectations are consistently met.

Schedule

• The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day‑to‑day progress of assigned projects to ensure team objectives and customer requirements are met.
• Develops manufacturing processes for aerospace products or systems to meet customer specifications.
• Creates fabrication and process control documentation.
• Designs and drafts tooling required to meet production rate and quality targets.
• Serves as a technical interface with customers for updates, reviews, and problem‑solving discussions.
• Supports root‑cause analysis for product failures and contributes to corrective actions.
• Performs peer reviews of build documentation and tooling designs.
• Develops pricing and lead time estimates in support of customer requests for quotes (RFQs) or requests for information (RFIs).
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or composite design.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications including drawings and material or processing specifications.
• Modeling and drafting experience.
• Experience in design‑for‑manufacturing and assembly methodology.
• Flexibility to manage multiple priorities across several projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience supporting one‑on‑one customer interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace composite manufacturing methodologies including autoclave and press molding.
• Knowledge of internal processes and systems used in mid‑size corporations.
• Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and blueprint reading.
• Experience with tooling used for composite processing or mechanical assembly.

Special Mentions

• Minimal travel may be required for this position.

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.