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.

As the Lead Proposal Engineer, you will support the development of competitive aerospace and defense proposals by leading technical and cost estimating activities from initial customer‑request analysis through final submission. You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to interpret requirements, develop manufacturing assumptions, and build accurate, executable cost estimates aligned with customer needs and Karman capabilities.

Responsibilities

Evaluate customer requests for quotation, statements of work, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.

Identify required materials, processes, tooling, outside services, and other cost elements beyond customer‑provided BOMs.

Define proposal requirements, assumptions, risks, exclusions, and areas needing customer clarification.

Develop and review manufacturing processes, labor content, cycle times, production rates, and related assumptions.

Estimate direct labor hours using supported manufacturing processes, historical data, engineering input, and production requirements.

Create and validate cost estimates for materials, labor, tooling, outside processing, non‑recurring engineering, inspection, and testing.

Prepare detailed basis‑of‑estimate documentation for labor, material, tooling, and other cost inputs.

Support technical discussions with customers and partner with Business Development to align capabilities with customer needs.

Maintain and update Microsoft Excel‑based cost and proposal workbooks to ensure accurate formulas, assumptions, and pricing.

Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to validate manufacturability, capacity, tooling requirements, production rates, and supplier pricing.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

One or more years of engineering experience at Karman Space & Defense or three or more years of relevant engineering experience in the space or defense industry.

Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, statements of work, and other technical requirements.

Working knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and the ability to evaluate labor, material, tooling, and outside processing assumptions.

Experience developing technical or manufacturing cost estimates, including labor and material estimates.

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience developing or maintaining detailed cost, estimating, or analytical workbooks.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document and present technical assumptions, risks, and recommendations.

A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing teams or projects.

Experience with customer presentations.

Exposure to concept development, technology application, and program planning.

Ability to develop, plan, and execute programs.

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.