Karman Space & Defense
Director of Engineering
Karman Space & Defense, South El Monte, California, United States, 91733
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Karman Space & Defense Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Karman Space & Defense provided pay range
This range is provided by Karman Space & Defense. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range
$170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr Summary
The Engineering Manager for Karman Space & Defense’s California sites will lead the strategic development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes across our large-platform machining, spin forming, and bump forming operations. This role combines hands-on engineering leadership with forward-thinking program oversight to enhance technical capability, improve execution efficiency, and support business growth.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Engineering Manager will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in line with schedule and financial performance targets.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Innovation
Lead process advancement in large-part machining, spin forming, and bump forming technologies. Develop and implement robust process controls and new manufacturing methods aligned with customer and business needs. Oversee tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization efforts. Advance engineering data business systems to support technical insight, process integration, and productivity improvements.
Team & Program Management
Supervise cross-functional engineering teams and program staff, ensuring appropriate skill alignment and workload balance. Provide leadership in personnel development, mentoring, and performance management. Coordinate staffing and execution of project plans including cost, schedule, and technical goals. Own program-level results and execution standards across engineering and manufacturing interface.
Strategic Execution & Collaboration
Support business development by aligning engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities. Develop proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion. Drive cross-site collaboration and standardization in tooling, processes, and documentation. Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.
Qualifications
Education: Required: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field) Preferred: M.S. in Engineering or Management Experience: 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing 5+ years in a leadership or engineering management role Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams Expertise in machining, spin forming, or related forming technologies Experience with ERP and advanced business systems Other Requirements: Strong communication and leadership skills U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance Seniority level
Seniority level Director Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Karman Space & Defense by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Engineering” roles.
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area $250,000.00-$450,000.00 2 weeks ago Director of Engineering( Aerospace & Defense )
Montebello, CA $175,000.00-$205,000.00 6 days ago Los Angeles, CA $180,000.00-$220,000.00 1 month ago Long Beach, CA $240,000.00-$279,000.00 2 weeks ago VP of Mechanical Engineering - Long Beach Area
Santa Fe Springs, CA $270,000.00-$290,000.00 1 day ago Director of Electric Engineering and Design
Los Angeles, CA $250,000.00-$500,000.00 1 month ago Beverly Hills, CA $110,000.00-$140,000.00 1 week ago Los Angeles, CA $235,000.00-$352,600.00 1 month ago Santa Ana, CA $130,000.00-$190,000.00 5 days ago Hawthorne, CA $190,000.00-$250,000.00 2 weeks ago Director of Engineering - Capital Projects Industrial Laundry
Burbank, CA $174,000.00-$255,000.00 2 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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Director of Engineering
role at
Karman Space & Defense 1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Director of Engineering
role at
Karman Space & Defense Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Karman Space & Defense provided pay range
This range is provided by Karman Space & Defense. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range
$170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr Summary
The Engineering Manager for Karman Space & Defense’s California sites will lead the strategic development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes across our large-platform machining, spin forming, and bump forming operations. This role combines hands-on engineering leadership with forward-thinking program oversight to enhance technical capability, improve execution efficiency, and support business growth.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Engineering Manager will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of high-quality results in line with schedule and financial performance targets.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Innovation
Lead process advancement in large-part machining, spin forming, and bump forming technologies. Develop and implement robust process controls and new manufacturing methods aligned with customer and business needs. Oversee tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization efforts. Advance engineering data business systems to support technical insight, process integration, and productivity improvements.
Team & Program Management
Supervise cross-functional engineering teams and program staff, ensuring appropriate skill alignment and workload balance. Provide leadership in personnel development, mentoring, and performance management. Coordinate staffing and execution of project plans including cost, schedule, and technical goals. Own program-level results and execution standards across engineering and manufacturing interface.
Strategic Execution & Collaboration
Support business development by aligning engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities. Develop proposals and strategic plans for technology upgrades and capability expansion. Drive cross-site collaboration and standardization in tooling, processes, and documentation. Interface with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, milestones, and deliverables.
Qualifications
Education: Required: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field) Preferred: M.S. in Engineering or Management Experience: 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing 5+ years in a leadership or engineering management role Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs and cross-functional teams Expertise in machining, spin forming, or related forming technologies Experience with ERP and advanced business systems Other Requirements: Strong communication and leadership skills U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance Seniority level
Seniority level Director Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Karman Space & Defense by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Engineering” roles.
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area $250,000.00-$450,000.00 2 weeks ago Director of Engineering( Aerospace & Defense )
Montebello, CA $175,000.00-$205,000.00 6 days ago Los Angeles, CA $180,000.00-$220,000.00 1 month ago Long Beach, CA $240,000.00-$279,000.00 2 weeks ago VP of Mechanical Engineering - Long Beach Area
Santa Fe Springs, CA $270,000.00-$290,000.00 1 day ago Director of Electric Engineering and Design
Los Angeles, CA $250,000.00-$500,000.00 1 month ago Beverly Hills, CA $110,000.00-$140,000.00 1 week ago Los Angeles, CA $235,000.00-$352,600.00 1 month ago Santa Ana, CA $130,000.00-$190,000.00 5 days ago Hawthorne, CA $190,000.00-$250,000.00 2 weeks ago Director of Engineering - Capital Projects Industrial Laundry
Burbank, CA $174,000.00-$255,000.00 2 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr