Manufacturing Engineer - Spin Forming Specialist

SUMMARY:

Karman Space & Defense, an industry leader in aerospace manufacturing, seeks a talented and driven Manufacturing Engineer specializing in large-scale spin forming operations. This role will involve the comprehensive support of spin forming processes, including tool design, print development, CNC programming, and data-driven continuous improvement initiatives.

ABOUT US:

KARMAN SPACE & DEFENSE: Karman is the leading market suppliers of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub-assemblies for the space, missile, and hypersonic markets. Karman offers an unprecedented capability set to customers, creating a supply chain solution in a historically fragmented supply base. The Karman team draws on in-house expertise in engineering & design, precision machining, large part forming, welding, heat age, finishing, assembly, ablative & insulative composites, and other capabilities to serve as a strategic partner to customers. Karman is headquartered in greater Los Angeles and currently has 5 locations in Southern California, 1 location in Mukilteo, Washington and 1 location in Wilsonville, Oregon.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and develop tooling for large-scale spin forming equipment, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and manufacturing standards.
• Generate detailed manufacturing prints and specifications using CAD/CAM software.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs for spin forming machines, improving cycle times, reliability, and product quality.
• Collect, analyze, and manage manufacturing data to identify trends, reduce variability, and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production operators, quality assurance, and maintenance to ensure alignment and efficiency in production processes.
• Actively participate in troubleshooting and problem-solving activities related to spin forming equipment and processes.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be detail oriented, extremely organized, must possess excellent communication skills, and be able to interact well with all levels of Management.
• Must possess excellent computer skills, including working knowledge of word, spreadsheets and databases.
• Act as a leader within the quality department exemplifying good work ethic and morals that are within the Karman company expectations and culture.
• Must have direct communication with internal customers.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, Mastercam, NX, CATIA, or similar).
• Experience in programming and manufacturing process optimization.
• Proven capability in managing and interpreting process and quality data to drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, specifically focused on spin forming or related metal forming processes.
• Experience working within the aerospace, defense, or similar high-precision manufacturing industries is preferred.
• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC), lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.) is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee is responsible to maintain fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job.
• Reaching above and below, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending.
• The employee must occasionally lift / carry / move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Hearing protection is required while on the shop floor.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• No travel is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.