Chief Engineer

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in rapid design, development, and production of next‑generation system solutions for the U.S. Department of War and its allies. The company delivers 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 sits within the Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems for air, land, and sea missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of pyrotechnic mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification and low‑rate production, providing hands‑on oversight during build, test, and flight operations.
• Translate system‑level requirements into mechanical and structural solutions, identifying implied and derived requirements early to prevent scope creep and misinterpretation.
• Develop and enforce design guidelines, analysis methodologies, and test plans to ensure device robustness and repeatability.
• Define design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) and design‑for‑assembly (DFA) practices in collaboration with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.
• Own technical risk management for pyrotechnic hardware, maintaining risk registers and driving mitigation across design, materials, manufacturing, and testing.
• Tailor standards, processes, and qualification approaches to program needs, balancing rigor, cost, and schedule while maintaining compliance.
• Lead design and safety reviews, documenting tailoring decisions and maintaining alignment with customer and regulatory expectations.
• Define scope, risks, and technical approaches for proposals supporting new business opportunities.
• Represent mechanisms engineering in customer meetings, technical interchange meetings, and safety boards.
• Mentor and develop engineers to strengthen in‑house expertise in mechanism design and pyrotechnics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.
• At least 15 years of experience designing and qualifying pyrotechnic or energetic mechanisms in aerospace, defense, or related industries.
• Deep knowledge of energetics, ignition systems, detonation and deflagration physics, and mechanism actuation principles.
• Proven record of leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a technical authority.
• Expertise in safety and compliance for energetics handling, storage, and testing.
• Strong familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regulations governing energetic systems.
• Hands‑on experience with test planning, execution, and data reduction for pyrotechnic devices.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent the company to customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• A current DoD Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience integrating pyrotechnics into spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or defense systems.
• Knowledge of alternative non‑pyrotechnic actuation systems to support trade studies.
• Published technical contributions in pyrotechnics or energetics.

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