Lead Mechanical Test Engineer, Aerospace & Defense

Salary Range: $120,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually 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. In this role, you will lead mechanical system development and testing across all phases of advanced aerospace and defense programs. You will guide prototype builds, verification testing, and system validation activities, while providing technical direction to junior engineers and collaborating closely with design and analysis teams to mature and validate new technologies.

Responsibilities: Serves as engineering lead for development and testing of new aerospace and defense hardware, providing technical direction to junior engineers. Guides product designs through prototype builds, prototype testing, environmental testing, and flight testing. Leads planning and execution of test activities for mechanical systems, including static, shock and vibration, thermal, and energetic testing. Collaborates with design and analysis teams to develop hardware test plans and procedures from Verification Cross‑Reference Matrices (VCRM). Leads all aspects of hardware testing, including test planning, fixture design, setup, execution, instrumentation, data acquisition, post‑test analysis, and reporting. Contributes to proposal development by providing labor and material estimates for prototype builds and testing. Troubleshoots mechanical hardware and assembly issues such as interference, misalignment, improper fit, and tolerance stack‑ups.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Minimum of 4 to 7 years of experience designing, assembling, and testing mechanical hardware and systems. Familiarity with Military Standard 810 (MIL‑STD‑810). Ability to diagnose hardware and assembly problems and develop practical corrective actions. Familiarity with standard mechanical assembly practices and common mechanical troubleshooting approaches. Proven experience leading product development tests, including development testing and assistance with qualification testing.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with energetic systems handling, assembly, and test. Background in heat transfer, structural analysis, dynamics and kinematics, advanced high‑strength materials, computer‑aided design, and/or machine design. 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. 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 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.