Karman Space & Defense · 9 hours ago
Chief Engineer Pyrotechnic Mechanism
Mukilteo, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$165K/yr - $220K/yr
15+ years expKarman Space & Defense is a company that provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems. They are seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the mechanical and structural design of pyrotechnic mechanisms, ensuring safety, robustness, and compliance while mentoring engineers and managing technical risks.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead development of pyrotechnic mechanisms (initiation systems, separation systems, release devices, cutters, etc) from conceptual design through qualification and low-rate production
Translate system-level requirements into mechanical/structural solutions
Identify implied and derived requirements early to prevent scope creep and misinterpretation
Develop and enforce design guidelines, analysis methodologies, and test plans to ensure robustness and repeatability of pyrotechnic devices
Define DFM/DFA practices and ensure manufacturability with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams
Provide hands-on oversight during build, test, qualification, and flight operations of energetic systems
Own technical risk management for pyrotechnic hardware: identify key risks (design, materials, manufacturing, testing), maintain risk registers, and drive mitigation actions
Tailor standards, processes, and qualification approaches to program needs — balancing rigor, cost, and schedule while maintaining compliance
Lead design and safety reviews, documenting rationale for tailoring and maintaining alignment with customer and regulatory expectations
Support proposal efforts by defining scope, risk, and technical approach for new business opportunities
Represent mechanisms engineering in customer meetings, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and safety boards
Mentor and develop engineers, growing in-house expertise in mechanism design and pyrotechnics
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field
15+ years of experience in the design and qualification of pyrotechnic or energetic mechanisms in aerospace, defense, or related industries
Deep knowledge of energetics, ignition systems, detonation/deflagration physics, and mechanism actuation principles
Proven record of leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a technical authority
Demonstrated expertise in safety and compliance for energetics handling, storage, and testing
Strong familiarity with DoD and NASA regulations governing energetic systems
Hands-on experience with test planning, execution, and data reduction for pyrotechnic devices
Excellent communication skills; capable of representing the company to customers, suppliers, and regulators
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Preferred
Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision
Company Paid Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Company
Karman Space & Defense
Karman Space & Defense is a concept-to-production solutions provider for the most complex missions in the space and defense industry.
Founded in 2021Huntington Beach, California, US
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tony Koblinski
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Sawhill
Chief Business Development Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase