Director of Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

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.

In this role, you will lead enterprise-wide internal and external communications that strengthen alignment, reinforce trust in leadership, and elevate Karman’s reputation across key audiences. You will develop strategic messaging, enable transparent communication channels, support executive storytelling, and ensure consistent, high-quality materials that reflect Karman’s priorities and position in the aerospace and defense industry.

Schedule
Preferred locations are Huntington Beach, California or Seattle, Washington. Other locations will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develops communication programs that align employees around enterprise priorities and strengthen transparency in leadership.
• Drives cross-functional messaging that improves operating efficiency and collaboration across multiple sites.
• Creates clear, timely, and consistent internal communications that increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Establishes two-way communication channels to elevate employee perspectives to leadership.
• Supports internal campaigns and events in partnership with human resources, operations, and site leaders.
• Incorporates data-driven tools to measure and improve communication effectiveness.
• Leads external communication strategies that increase visibility among priority audiences.
• Builds and maintains relationships with press, trade media, national outlets, and digital influencers.
• Produces high-quality external materials including presentations, executive speeches, talking points, interview briefs, and press content.
• Coordinates input gathering across the leadership team to ensure accurate and strategic messaging.
• Supports crisis and issues communication following established protocols.
• Maintains consistent corporate messaging across media, web, events, social platforms, and investor-facing materials.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of communications experience within a publicly traded company.
• Hands-on experience in internal and external communications, including media relations.
• Exceptional writing and editing proficiency across multiple audiences and formats.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior leaders and synthesize complex information into clear messaging.
• Ability to adjust communication tone to effectively engage employees, engineers, staff, and executive leaders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.
• Experience with Microsoft (MS) 365 tools, content management systems (CMS), media monitoring platforms, and social analytics tools.
• Experience using artificial intelligence (AI)‑assisted writing, research, and productivity tools to enhance communication quality and efficiency.
• Ability to refine and humanize AI‑generated content for high‑stakes audiences.
• Familiarity with AI‑enabled enterprise systems, analytics platforms, and workflows.
• Understanding of responsible and compliant AI practices in a public-company communications environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries.

Special Mentions

• Travel estimated up to 50%.

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.

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.