Director of Engineering

SUMMARY:

The Director of Engineering for Karman Space & Defense’s Orange County Region will lead the strategic development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes across CNC Programming, Precision Machining, Weld Fabrication + EB Welding and Complex Integrations Assembly operations. This role combines hands-on engineering leadership with forward-thinking program oversight to enhance technical capability, improve execution efficiency, and support business growth.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Engineering Director will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in line with schedule and financial performance targets.

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

• Lead process advancement in machining, welding, and assembly forming technologies.
• Experience with CATIA software for Aerospace design and manufacturing.
• Develop and implement robust process controls and new manufacturing methods aligned with customer and business needs.
• Oversee tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization efforts.
• Advance engineering data business systems to support technical insight, process integration, and productivity improvements.

• Supervise cross-functional engineering teams and program staff, ensuring appropriate skill alignment and workload balance.
• Provide leadership in personnel development, mentoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate staffing and execution of project plans including cost, schedule, and technical goals.
• Own program-level results and execution standards across engineering and manufacturing interface.

• Support business development by aligning engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities.
• Develop proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion.
• Drive cross-site collaboration and standardization in tooling, processes, and documentation.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.

Education:

• Required:
  
  B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field)
• Preferred: M.S. in Engineering or Management

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing
• 5+ years in a leadership or engineering management role
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams
• Expertise in machining, CNC programming, tool design, and related technologies.
• Experience with ERP and advanced business systems

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

As a federal contractor, Karman Space & Defense is committed to compliance with all federal employment eligibility requirements. We participate in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, federal compliance mandates that we require documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization upon hire.

Equal…