Defense Contractor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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.

In this role, you oversee day‑to‑day facility maintenance and operational readiness for a machine shop environment. You manage preventative maintenance programs, coordinate contractors, and handle hands‑on repairs to ensure equipment uptime and support production efficiency. You also lead facility organization initiatives, maintain audit‑ready conditions, and may guide a small team responsible for shop support and general maintenance.

• Performs light mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs to support daily facility operations.


• Troubleshoots building and infrastructure issues to minimize production downtime.


• Assists with machinery installations, equipment positioning, and facility layout changes.


• Manages utilities, compressed air systems, and coordination with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services.


• Develops and manages the master preventative maintenance schedule for machines and support equipment.


• Tracks maintenance completion metrics and machine downtime to improve operational efficiency.


• Maintains detailed maintenance logs to support AS9100 and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 audit requirements.


• Sources, evaluates, and oversees contractors and specialized service vendors.


• Ensures vendor compliance with internal safety protocols and aerospace quality standards.


• Leads 5S workplace organization efforts and conducts regular facility audits to maintain a clean, organized, and audit‑ready environment.


• Supervises and mentors up to two maintenance assistants or technicians and assigns daily tasks.


• Manages facilities inventory, including spare parts and maintenance supplies, and oversees waste, recycling, and hazardous material disposal compliance.

• 3–5+ years of facilities maintenance experience, ideally in a machine shop or manufacturing environment.


• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on experience in electrical, plumbing, and pneumatics.


• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or scheduling tools.

• Experience working in AS9100‑certified environments and with 5S methodologies.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.


• Ability to climb ladders.


• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods.
  The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

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


• 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.