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Jobs at Karman Space & Defense (Now Hiring) — 52 open

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Director of Operations (Aerospace)

Corona, California, United States · On-site

$160k–$220k/yr

Senior+$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: Karman is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead and coordinate manufacturing operations across our El Monte and Corona locations. This role is responsible for ensuring and improving the performan…

Skills: Operational Leadership, CNC Machining, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Production Planning

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Assistant Controller

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$125k–$160k/yr

Senior$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Assistant Controller oversees all financial and administrative operations, drives cost accounting initiatives, and supports HR processes. Works with executives and directors to enhance Company’s overall…

Skills: Cost Accounting, Financial Reporting, U.S. GAAP, Cashflow Management, Budgeting

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Deburr - 2nd Shift

South El Monte, California, United States · On-site

$20/hr–$30/hr

Entry level$1.5B raised

COME JOIN OUR TEAM! Without the strength of our Machine Shop team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced Deburr Technician. The ideal candida…

Skills: Precision Deburring, Hand Blending, Blueprint Reading, Surface Conditioning, Quality Management Systems

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Prototype Machinist

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$39/hr–$48/hr

Senior$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Protoshop Machinist is responsible for end-to-end fabrication of prototypes and models, including programming, set-up, machining, and hands-on problem solving. This role requires creativity, adaptability, and…

Skills: CNC Programming, CNC Milling, Multi-axis Mill/Turn, Fanuc Controllers, Haas Controllers

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Program Planner

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$32/hr–$43/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Program Planner is responsible for procurement planning, inventory management and data management, including maintenance and generation of data items needed to successfully execute programs. The Program Plann…

Skills: Procurement Planning, Inventory Management, Data Management, Time Management, Multi-tasking

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Press Operator

Albany, Oregon, United States · On-site

$18/hr–$20/hr

Entry level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Press Operator is responsible for set up and operations of a variety of hydraulic presses, lathes and other equipment to produce drawn and/or forged products to specification. ABOUT US Karman Space & Defense …

Skills: Hydraulic Press Operation, CNC Lathe Operation, Manual Lathe Operation, Precision Measuring Tools, Forklift Operation

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Assembly Technician I

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$22/hr–$31/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: We are looking for Assembly Technicians at all levels of experience for a hands-on work environment performing a variety of tasks to support the engineering, manufacturing and production teams. Daily responsibil…

Skills: Mechanical Assembly, Blueprint Reading, Schematics Interpretation, Hand and Power Tools, Fastening

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Deburr Technician - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, California, United States · On-site

$18/hr–$22/hr

Entry level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: The Deburr Technician is part of the production and finishing team. You will typically work on the manufacturing floor as a piece of the post-production team. Your job is to perform an inspection and remove burr…

Skills: Deburring, Blueprint Reading, CNC Machining, Micrometers, Calipers

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Design Engineer II

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$100k–$120k/yr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Design Engineer’s role is to conceptualize, design, develop, test, and support deployment of aerospace and flight worthy structures, mechanisms, mechanical products and systems. The primary focus of thi…

Skills: SolidWorks, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, CAD/CAE Tools, Mechanical Design, Aerospace Engineering

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Controller (Part-Time)

Cedar City, Utah, United States · On-site

$57/hr–$76/hr

Senior+$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: The Controller is responsible for the financial management, reporting, compliance, and accounting operations supporting Seemann Composites, LLC, a Karman Holdings company. This role ensures accurate financial re…

Skills: GAAP, SOX Compliance, CAS Compliance, FAR/DFARS Regulations, DCAA Audit Readiness

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Controller

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$120k–$160k/yr

Senior+$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: The Controller is responsible for the financial management, reporting, compliance, and accounting operations supporting Seemann Composites, LLC, a Karman Holdings company. This role ensures accurate financial re…

Skills: GAAP, SOX Compliance, CAS Compliance, FAR/DFARS Regulations, DCAA Audit Readiness

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Buyer

Huntington Beach, California, United States · On-site

$30/hr–$33/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

Huntington Beach COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Medical, Dental, VisionCompany Paid Life Insurance401(k) Retirement Savings PlanPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement* SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. ESSENTIAL…

Skills: Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, Negotiation, Purchase Order Management, Inventory Management

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Senior Development Engineer

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$140k–$165k/yr

Senior$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Senior Development Engineer performs a lead role in project management and program execution, and provides technical leadership for projects requiring the application and demonstration of aerospace and defens…

Skills: Project Management, Mechanical System Development, SolidWorks, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Heat Transfer

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Quality Inspector Lead

Huntington Beach, California, United States · On-site

$23/hr–$40/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

Huntington Beach ABOUT US Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe tha…

Skills: Visual Inspection, Calibration, ISO 9001, AS9100, Measurement Tools

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Production Technician

Cedar City, Utah, United States · On-site

Entry level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Production Technician I supports assembly and production line activities, ensuring materials and products meet quality standards. This role follows established procedures, assists with equipment operation, an…

Skills: Assembly, Quality Control, Equipment Operation, Forklift Operation, Basic Math

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Receiving Inspector

Corona, California, United States · On-site

$24/hr–$28/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

COME JOIN OUR TEAM! Without the strength of our Receiving team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced Receiving Inspector Professional. The i…

Skills: Physical Inspection, Visual Inspection, Drawing Print Interpretation, Calipers, Micrometers

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

CNC Machinist - 1st Shift Weekend

South El Monte, California, United States · On-site

$20/hr–$35/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: We are seeking an experienced 5 axis CNC Machinist, 2nd Shift for our South El Monte, CA location. Operate the CNC machine in the most efficient manner possible by assuring that material, tooling, cutters, NC Pr…

Skills: 5 Axis CNC Machining, Siemens 840D, Fanuc 31i - B5 Controls, Blueprint Interpretation, Machine Set-ups

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

CNC Machinist, 5-Axis

Santa Ana, California, United States · On-site

$27/hr–$30/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY: We are seeking an experienced 5 axis CNC Machinist, 2nd Shift for our Santa Ana, CA location. Operate the CNC machine in the most efficient manner possible by assuring that material, tooling, cutters, NC Program…

Skills: 5-Axis CNC Machining, Siemens 840D, Fanuc 31i - B5 Controls, Blueprint Interpretation, Machine Set-up

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Composites Quality Supervisor

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$35/hr–$43/hr

Senior$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Composites Quality Inspection Supervisor provides comprehensive oversight of Systima’s daily activities and workflows related to Composites Quality Assurance. Conducts all composites QA efforts as requi…

Skills: Composites Quality Assurance, AS9100, ISO9001, NADCAP, AS9102 First Article Inspection

Karman Space & Defense logoKarman Space & Defense

Composites Quality Inspector

Mukilteo, Washington, United States · On-site

$25/hr–$35/hr

Mid level$1.5B raised

SUMMARY The Composites Quality Inspector provides comprehensive oversight of Systima’s daily activities and workflows related to Composites Quality Assurance. Conducts all composites QA efforts as required by Systi…

Skills: Quality Assurance, Composite Layup, Technical Drawing Interpretation, AS9102 Reporting, Material Handling

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Showing 1–20 of 52

Karman Space & Defense logo

Director of Operations (Aerospace)

Karman Space & Defense

Corona, California, United States • On-site

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  • $160k–$220k/yr
  • Full-time
  • bachelor degree, postgraduate degree
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Life Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Posted 1d ago
  • ~40 hrs/week

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate manufacturing operations across multiple locations to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Drive operational excellence across machining and fabrication environments while aligning production with strategic business objectives.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree in a technical field and over 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in aerospace or defense. Candidates must have deep expertise in CNC machining, Lean methodologies, and the ability to lead high-performance teams.

Full job description

SUMMARY:

Karman is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead and coordinate manufacturing operations across our El Monte and Corona locations. This role is responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of LA region operations through effective leadership, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement. The Director of Operations will drive operational excellence across machining, fabrication, and downstream processing environments while aligning production execution with strategic business objectives.


ABOUT US:

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility.  Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Coordination & Supervision
    1. Lead, coordinate, and monitor the activities of operations managers and functional departments. Establish clear accountability, performance expectations, and operating rhythms.
  • Operational Excellence / Best Practices
    1. Improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Develop and implement procedures that maximize safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. Ensure adherence to regulatory, quality, and internal operating standards.
  • Production Leadership
    1. Oversee manufacturing operations including machining, fabrication, forming, finishing, and assembly. Monitor throughput, schedule attainment, and labor productivity. Ensure equipment readiness, maintenance execution, and capacity alignment.
  • Human Resources Partnership
    1. Support workforce planning, recruiting, and organizational structuring. Develop leaders, evaluate performance, and build succession depth. Establish effective labor utilization and work scheduling practices.
  • Communication
    1. Drive effective cross-functional communication between operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and program management. Promote closed-loop communication and escalation discipline.
  • Third-Party Oversight
    1. Ensure proper administration and execution of subcontracted or temporary labor services.
  • Financial & Strategic Management
    1. Develop operational plans aligned to company strategy. Review financial and production data to ensure budget alignment. Manage inventory, cost performance, and operational spending. Partner with executive leadership on long-range capacity and investment planning.

 

DESIRED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP PROFILE:

  • The ideal candidate will bring deep operational leadership experience within a precision manufacturing environment, preferably supporting aerospace or defense production.
  • Technical & Operational Experience
  • Leadership experience within a CNC machining environment, ideally producing large, tight-tolerance metallic components. Strong preference for metallic machining experience (aluminum highly desired), including 3-axis and 5-axis milling and large gantry equipment. Familiarity with automated or semi-automated manufacturing equipment; broader automation experience may be considered in lieu of direct machining exposure. Experience managing multi-step manufacturing routings and complex production flows. Working knowledge of downstream processes including deburring, finishing, forming, welding coordination, heat treat, and assembly operations.
  • Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  • This leader will be expected to champion a culture of continuous improvement across operations. Experience should include implementation and sustainment of 5S workplace organization, improving flow of product and manufacturing lead time, cycle time reduction and machining efficiency improvements, setup reduction (SMED) initiatives, preventative maintenance program development, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) systems, Kaizen event leadership, and use of operational metrics such as OEE, spindle utilization, and labor efficiency to drive performance.
  • Leadership Traits
  • Hands-on, shop-floor engaged leadership style. Strong mechanical and process intuition. Data-driven decision making. Experience building high-performance manufacturing teams. Relentless focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Proven change agent capable of leading Lean transformation.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline required — or equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 10 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
  • MBA, MS, or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including oversight of complex production environments.

 

BENEFITS:

 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*

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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

 

Related keywords

AerospaceDefensePrecision ManufacturingCNC Machining3-Axis Milling5-Axis MillingGantry EquipmentLean Manufacturing5SKaizenSMEDTPMOEEITARFabricationAssembly

About Karman Space & Defense

LinkedInVisit site

Concept-to-production solutions for the most complex challenges facing space & defense missions.

Industry
Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Huntington Beach, California
LinkedIn followers
23,317
Total funding
$1.5B

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.

Offices: 5351 Argosy Ave, Huntington Beach, California 92649, US

spacedefensemissilespacecrafthypersonicsrocketsmanufacturingdesign engineeringprecision machininglarge part forming
View all jobs at Karman Space & Defense

About Karman Space & Defense

LinkedInVisit site

Concept-to-production solutions for the most complex challenges facing space & defense missions.

Industry
Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Huntington Beach, California
LinkedIn followers
23,317
Total funding
$1.5B

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.

Offices: 5351 Argosy Ave, Huntington Beach, California 92649, US

spacedefensemissilespacecrafthypersonicsrocketsmanufacturingdesign engineeringprecision machininglarge part forming
View all jobs at Karman Space & Defense

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