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Karman Space & Defense · 1 day ago

Chief Engineer, Composites Manufacturing

Huntington Beach, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. The Chief Engineer focuses on technical program leadership, providing mentorship and guidance for other engineers, while overseeing the design, development, and manufacturing processes of composite structures for solid rocket motor systems.

Defense & Space

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Establishes and manages Engineering Gates to ensure best practices on all programs

Guides junior engineers in creating program plans for build-to-print (BTP) production programs and leads continuous process improvements to gain efficiency during production

Works with Business Development to create and review quotes/proposals

Coordinates with vendors and customers to maintain and track configuration control and approve engineering changes

Evaluates and improves design for manufacturability and supports improving, tracking, and resolving defects during manufacture

Works across divisions to refine production processes gain efficiencies, reduce defects, and deliver on time

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringAerospace SystemsManufacturing Engineering SoftwareMechanical DesignProject ManagementLeadership SkillsCommunication SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Required

Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent technical engineering field required

10+ years in production and engineering leadership of aerospace or defense systems

5+ years of experience in mechanical design

Proficiency in manufacturing engineering software/tools (CAD, PLM, ERP systems)

Hands-on experience in the production and manufacturing of high-precision systems

Design For Manufacture Assessment

Strong experience managing complex engineering projects, ensuring alignment with production schedules, cost objectives, and quality targets

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop talent

Experience in presenting to executive teams and external stakeholders/vendors etc

Must hold OR be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance

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