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.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Leadership & Innovation- 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.
Team & Program Management- 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.
Strategic Execution & Collaboration- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEEducation:- 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:- 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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
- Other Requirements:
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance
