Internship Defense Contractor Logistics Jobs in Riverside, CA

SUMMARY:

The Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing all shipping, receiving, and transportation operations, including direct supervision of company drivers. This role ensures the efficient, compliant, and timely movement of materials, parts, and finished goods in support of aerospace and defense programs. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills, experience in regulated environments, and the ability to manage both hands-on logistics tasks and team leadership.

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*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES

• Manage daily shipping and receiving operations, including inbound materials, outbound shipments, and internal distribution.
• Ensure all shipments comply with aerospace and defense regulations, customer requirements, and company quality standards.
• Supervise, schedule, and evaluate company drivers; ensure safe and timely pickups and deliveries.
• Coordinate with procurement, production, quality, and program management teams to meet delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure proper documentation (packing slips, bills of lading, export paperwork, etc.).
• Oversee packaging, labeling, and handling requirements for sensitive or controlled materials.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, DOT, OSHA, and export control requirements).
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics vendors.
• Monitor shipping costs, negotiating rates, and track performance metrics (on-time delivery, accuracy, damage rates).
• Conduct regular audits of shipping/receiving processes and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shipping/receiving area.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required; candidates with significant relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in logistics, shipping/receiving, or warehouse operations, preferably in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing.
• Prior supervisory experience, including managing drivers or logistics personnel.
• Strong knowledge of shipping regulations, export compliance (ITAR/EAR), and hazardous materials handling (if applicable).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in aerospace and defense industry environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management systems is preferred.
• Lean / Six Sigma experience is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift to 30 pounds and perform repetitive tasks.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Combination of office and warehouse/shop floor environment.
• May require occasional lifting, standing, and coordination of physical shipments.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and team management
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Regulatory compliance awareness
• Time management and prioritization
• Continuous improvement mindset

EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY

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.