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Machining Supervisor
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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.
As a Machining Supervisor, you lead day‑to‑day machining operations by combining hands‑on programming and advanced machining expertise with direct oversight of the shop floor. You develop and optimize complex multi‑axis machining work, mentor machinists, ensure alignment with production priorities, and help maintain schedule performance for high‑value hardware. Your leadership strengthens machining capability, supports continuous improvement, and ensures high‑quality production in support of critical space programs.
Schedule
First shift, Monday through Friday, on‑site
Please note - this position is in-person in Arlington, WA.
Responsibilities
- Mentors, trains, and develops machinists in setup, programming, machining practices, and process improvement.
- Oversees technician and shop staff development to build capability and ensure consistent performance.
- Supports hiring, onboarding, and integration of new shop personnel.
- Guides daily machining operations to meet production schedules and delivery commitments.
- Translates operational priorities into clear direction and expectations for the floor.
- Develops, proves out, and optimizes Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs for 3‑, 4‑, and 5‑axis machining using Mastercam.
- Machines and troubleshoots complex parts in Inconel, copper, custom alloys, and additively manufactured metals.
- Selects tooling, fixturing, and work holding strategies and drives machining process improvements.
- Reviews models and drawings in SolidWorks, interpreting geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for manufacturability.
- Collaborates with Quality and Engineering to resolve non‑conformances while maintaining schedule performance.
- Enforces safety, housekeeping, and shop procedures in support of AS9100 requirements.
- The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 10–15 years of machine shop experience.
- 5–10 years of CNC machining experience, including programming and proving out 5‑axis work.
- Prior experience leading or mentoring machinists in a production machine shop.
- Working experience in AS9100 or an equivalent quality system.
- Mastercam programming experience.
- SolidWorks experience.
- Proficiency with GD&T.
- Ability to run setups and prove out programs on the floor.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to direct a crew.
- Sound judgment and composure when working with high‑value, one‑of‑one flight hardware.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience machining Inconel, copper, and additively manufactured metals.
- Experience using the Epicor enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- 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.
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