{"id":1890155,"url":"https://alion.io/job/karman-space-defense-composites-chief-engineer","title":"Composites Chief Engineer","company":{"id":2310318,"name":"Karman Space & Defense","domain":"karman-sd.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/karman-sd","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"ADP","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":17,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":26,"computed_at":"2026-10-15T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"head","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Mukilteo, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":165000,"max":220000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":220000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-29T00:19:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-29","last_verified_at":"2026-10-15T13:07:03Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":78,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":78},"description":"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.\nThis role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.\nIn this role, you provide the technical leadership that shapes program direction, strengthens engineering rigor, and drives company growth. You guide design, analysis, and testing activities; mentor engineers at all levels; and help identify and mature new technologies that position the company for future opportunities. Your work ensures cohesive engineering execution, builds strong customer relationships, and supports successful delivery across complex aerospace programs.\nResponsibilities\nOversees program-level technical execution to ensure engineering rigor aligns with program scope, customer expectations, and company priorities.\nLeads technical reviews through program gate processes to confirm design, analysis, and testing are properly conducted.\nReviews designs for cost, manufacturability, and quality to support robust and efficient engineering solutions.\nProvides customer-facing technical leadership and guidance throughout program development.\nMentors and guides engineers across levels to strengthen engineering capabilities and support professional development.\nInfluences and contributes to company engineering design standards and guidelines.\nIdentifies and develops new technologies aligned with industry needs and strategic opportunities.\nSupports proposal concept development by ensuring technical compliance and identifying technical risks.\nRequired Qualifications\nBachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent technical field.\nMinimum of 10 years of technical experience, including at least 5 years working with composite products.\nProven ability to conceptualize, develop, and design structures and mechanical systems in accordance with customer requirements and aerospace or U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) standards.\nKnowledge of industry tools and software relevant to mechanical systems design.\nDetailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications.\nDemonstrated technical leadership with the ability to develop, plan, and execute multidisciplinary projects.\nStrong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.\nAbility to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and operate with minimal oversight.\nA current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.\nBenefits\nMedical, dental, and vision insurance\n401(k) with company match\nPaid time off\nHealth Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution\nFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)\nCompany-paid life and AD&D insurance\nShort- and long-term disability coverage\nTuition reimbursement\nKarman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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