Senior Design Engineer

Karman Space and Defense

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field.
  • At least 6 years of aerospace or defense systems design experience.
  • Experience with hardware that has passed qualification testing.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks and GD&T principles.
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAE tools for mechanical design.
  • Strong mathematical abilities and knowledge of material properties.
  • Ability to read technical drawings and understand detailed instructions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical design from concept to delivery.
  • Design aerospace structures and systems meeting customer standards.
  • Conduct calculations and analyses to ensure design performance.
  • Verify design work and analyses from team members.
  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously.
  • Assist in proposal development and customer presentations.
  • Create documentation packages and bills of materials.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
  • Disability coverage for short- and long-term.
  • Tuition reimbursement programs.
Full Job Description
In this role, you lead the design and development of aerospace structures, mechanisms, and systems from concept through detailed design, validation, and product qualification. You guide engineering activities, support new business pursuits, and mentor junior engineers while managing multiple design efforts with a high degree of autonomy and hands-on involvement.

Responsibilities
  • Leads mechanical design activities across concept development, detailed design, validation, and delivery.
  • Conceptualizes, develops, and designs structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems that meet customer requirements and common industry standards.
  • Performs calculations, engineering analyses, and tolerance stack-ups to validate design intent and performance.
  • Verifies calculations and analysis work completed by other team members.
  • Leads design efforts for systems and subsystems, often across multiple simultaneous programs.
  • Supports proposal development, rapid concept design, and customer presentations through CAD models and visual content.
  • Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assigned designs.
  • Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing, and product qualification.
  • Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.
  • Typically 6 or more years of experience designing aerospace and/or defense systems.
  • Proven experience designing hardware that has successfully passed qualification testing.
  • Proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and drawing conventions.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Knowledge of computer-aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools relevant to mechanical systems.
  • Strong mathematical skills and understanding of material properties, strength, and stress formulas.
  • Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams and work from verbal and written instructions.
  • Strong computer skills and familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools.
  • Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and maintain a quality- and safety-focused approach.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity in solving technical problems, and ability to balance detailed work with broader program goals.
  • Excellent communication and customer-relationship skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent advanced degree.
  • Registration or equivalent relevant professional credential.

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

9/80 schedule M-F 8am start, every other Friday off.

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