Principal Design Engineer
Karman Space & Defense
Design
Mukilteo, WA, USA
Posted on Apr 27, 2026
Summary
The Principal Design Engineer focuses on leading execution of program technical work as well as management of personnel. The Principal’s role is to facilitate the design and development process through leading design efforts and technical execution of programs, as well as mentorship and training of junior engineers.
The primary emphasis of the position is on technical leadership, with desired ability to manage personnel.
About Us
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
Compensation & Benefits
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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.
The Principal Design Engineer focuses on leading execution of program technical work as well as management of personnel. The Principal’s role is to facilitate the design and development process through leading design efforts and technical execution of programs, as well as mentorship and training of junior engineers.
The primary emphasis of the position is on technical leadership, with desired ability to manage personnel.
About Us
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
- Meets all objectives and responsibilities of the Sr. Design Engineer, plus:
- Provide guidance, mentorship and leadership to Design Engineers including staffing, resource management, and candidate assessment
- Oversee technical aspects of project designs for feasibility, viability, and function including facilitating concept and interim design reviews
- Manage technical execution of a program or programs, emphasis on design oversight
- Manage design team personnel, up to and including the role of Design Functional Manager
- Supports programs by vetting and signing off on other engineer’s work
- Performs analysis of designs to ensure safe operation in meeting designated requirements
- Establishes company engineering and design standards, training, and guidelines
- Provides technical support to customers
- Supports proposal/presentation preparation and business development activities
- Supports prototyping, hardware assembly, development testing and product qualification
- Mentors and supports more junior engineers
- B.S. or M.S. Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent in relevant experience and registration
- Typically possesses 8+ years technical experience plus 1 year management experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead program technical execution
- Demonstrated ability to manage personnel
- Ability to read drawings and technical diagrams, and work to verbal and written instructions
- Strong computer skills, familiarity with common office applications and engineering tools
- Detailed knowledge of design-based military and commercial specifications
- Proficient in SolidWorks and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Excellent communication and customer relationship skills
- Must be a U.S. Citizen, and hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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.
