Senior Systems Engineer

Saved job description

Senior Systems Engineer

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 and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the 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 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

The Senior Systems Engineer provides program-level technical oversight and drives product maturation for aerospace structures, mechanisms, mechanical systems, and flight‑worthy hardware. This role plans and executes system engineering activities, coordinates multidisciplinary efforts, and ensures final products meet all technical and program requirements while reporting to the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead.

This is an full-time on-site position working out of our Mukilteo, WA location. This role will be working a 9/80 schedule.

Responsibilities

Lead program-level technical oversight to ensure products meet all applicable requirements

Maintain balanced focus across design, analysis, and test activities to ensure robust engineering outcomes

Drive system architecture decisions through modeling, requirement decomposition, and system-level analyses

Verify completeness, compliance, and documentation of system requirements

Lead development of system test plans to validate performance

Prepare engineering reports, technical documentation, and customer presentations

Develop interface control drawings and interface description documents

Contribute to engineering standards, training materials, and best‑practice guidelines

Mentor and support engineers with lesser experience

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent

Typically 6+ years of aerospace or defense engineering experience, including 2+ years performing systems engineering work

Experience with development of mechanical systems, structures, electronics, electrical cabling, system integration, and qualification testing

Mastery of general aerospace engineering principles including structural analysis, finite element analysis, physics-based modeling, dynamics and kinematics, advanced materials, design, and test

Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, and execute multidisciplinary technical projects

Strong mechanical aptitude, problem‑solving skills, and ability to balance big‑picture goals with detailed execution

Excellent communication and customer relationship skills

A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent

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

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.