Project Engineer III, Composites

Karman Space and Defense

$95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or related field.
  • Four years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or project execution in aerospace/defense industry.
  • Experience in product development, manufacturing, assembly, or testing operations.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for resolving nonconformances.
  • Excellent time management for handling multiple programs simultaneously.
  • Experience engaging with customers and cross-functional teams.
  • Active U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical execution of aerospace programs from development through production.
  • Translate engineering requirements into manufacturing plans and process development.
  • Own integrated program planning, including schedule and milestone management.
  • Develop and release manufacturing documentation such as work instructions and specifications.
  • Lead tooling strategies for accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in production.
  • Drive shop floor execution and resolve real-time production challenges.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface with customers during design reviews and updates.

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
Full Job Description
Project Engineer III

As a Project Engineer III, you lead technical execution across complex aerospace and defense programs by integrating engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and production objectives. You serve as a primary technical focal point, coordinating cross-functional teams, supporting development through manufacturing and assembly, resolving production challenges, and ensuring mission-critical hardware meets cost, schedule, and technical requirements. If you enjoy guiding engineering programs from concept through production in a fast-moving environment, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities
  • Leads technical execution of aerospace and defense programs from development through production, ensuring alignment across design, manufacturing, and delivery requirements.
  • Translates engineering requirements into executable manufacturing and production plans, including process development, tooling strategies, and production flow.
  • Owns integrated program planning, including schedule development, critical path management, and production readiness milestones.
  • Develops, reviews, and releases manufacturing documentation such as work instructions, travelers, process specifications, and production planning documents.
  • Leads tooling and manufacturing strategies to ensure dimensional accuracy, repeatability, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Drives manufacturing readiness and shop floor execution, resolving real-time production issues while maintaining program objectives.
  • Serves as the primary technical interface with customers, supporting design reviews, program updates, technical interchange meetings, and issue resolution.
  • Leads cross-functional coordination across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and suppliers to ensure program success.
  • Leads root cause analysis and corrective action activities for manufacturing, assembly, and quality issues.
  • Manages program scope changes and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), evaluating impacts to design, manufacturing, schedule, and cost.
  • Monitors and reports program performance, including schedule status, cost exposure, production metrics, risks, and opportunities.
  • Supports procurement and material readiness planning to ensure hardware and components meet program timelines.
  • Supports proposal development and estimating activities, including manufacturing assumptions, tooling requirements, lead times, and cost/schedule inputs.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.
  • Four or more years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, production, or project execution within aerospace, defense, or related industries.
  • Experience supporting product development, manufacturing, assembly, testing, or production operations.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, including experience resolving nonconformances and corrective actions.
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
  • Experience interacting directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
  • A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as SolidWorks or equivalent.
  • Understanding of tooling, manufacturing processes, production planning, and configuration management.
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, change management, and nonconformance processes.
  • Experience in lean manufacturing or rate production environments.

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

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