Project Manager (Space & Launch)

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

The Project Manager leads cross-functional initiatives that strengthen manufacturing execution, operational readiness, customer delivery, and business performance. Working across multiple sites and functions, this role drives structured project execution, aligns stakeholders around shared objectives, and helps ensure critical operational and business priorities are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional manufacturing, operational, facility, and business-improvement projects from planning through closeout.
• Develops integrated project plans that define scope, milestones, ownership, budgets, dependencies, risks, and success criteria.
• Drives execution by tracking action items, monitoring project status, and implementing recovery plans when needed.
• Coordinates site-readiness, equipment-move, production-transfer, capacity, staffing, and operational-improvement initiatives.
• Facilitates project reviews and executive updates, escalating risks and issues with recommended actions.
• Maintains project documentation, including schedules, risk registers, decision logs, and status reports.
• Partners with Finance and functional leaders to monitor project spending, resource utilization, and business-case performance.
• Identifies and resolves cross-functional barriers that impact production schedules, customer commitments, or project objectives.
• Improves project governance, reporting processes, templates, and execution standards across the organization.
• Transitions completed projects to functional owners with sustainment plans and measurable outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Project Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience supporting manufacturing, engineering, operations, or facilities.
• Experience managing cross-functional schedules, budgets, risks, and executive-level status reporting.
• Strong organizational, communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management or collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, defense, space, or complex manufacturing experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent formal project management training.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Jira, Power BI, or similar enterprise tools.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently communicates and works with employees in office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequently stands, walks, and uses a computer; occasionally bends, reaches, or moves throughout production areas as required by the role.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• Moderate (10-25%) travel may be required depending on project assignments.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

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.