IPT (Integrated Project Team) Lead

About the role

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. As an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, you will guide an engineering team to achieve excellence in cost, schedule, and technical performance, ensure healthy team dynamics, develop personnel, sustain workload through strong customer relationships, and oversee proposal rigor and strategic initiatives. This is a full‑time onsite position at the Mukilteo, WA location.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams to achieve cost, schedule, and technical performance goals.
• Provide business, technical, and strategic leadership across assigned projects.
• Assign personnel with the required skills and experience to project needs.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and technical status of all team projects.
• Ensure healthy work environments by aligning personnel skills to tasks and supporting professional development.
• Balance team workloads and oversee hiring, termination, and staff management.
• Sustain team workload through strong customer relationships and rigorous proposal development.
• Oversee team business development efforts and ensure complete, financially sound proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with other teams to support company, customer, and personnel needs.
• Lead strategic initiatives to drive company growth.
• Manage team budgets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, related science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the space and defense industry.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Proven team leadership experience.
• Experience working with space and defense prime contractors and government agencies.
• Ability to read and generate blueprints, drawings, and technical diagrams.
• Current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Engineering, related science, or field.

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

Schedule

Full‑time onsite role with a 9/80 work schedule.

Travel

Travel expectation of 10‑25% to the Huntington Beach, CA location.