Lead Fluid Systems Engineer

About Karman Industries

Karman Industries is a Torrance-based thermal technology company building the backbone for giga-scale AI infrastructure. Founded by a team from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and GE, Karman is moving beyond legacy cooling with the launch of the HPU (Heat Processing Unit)—a new category of thermal architecture designed for the 100kW+ rack era.

The HPU shrinks the exterior mechanical yard by up to 80% while reducing peak energy consumption by 10%+. Unlike traditional systems, the Karman HPU provides zero-water (WUE 0) cooling that ensures high-TDP GPUs and HBM4 memory stay at optimal thermal setpoints without throttling.

Founded in 2024, we’re a fast-growing team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the future of humanity. We design, build, and test real hardware, and we lead with ownership: you’ll own your work from concept to hardware and help shape how we scale. Our values are Ownership, Performance Excellence, Radical Transparency, and Customer-Centricity.

Join us in our mission to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Lead Fluid Systems Engineer

Karman Industries is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer (considering all level from Lead/Senior/ Staff) to join our team designing the next generation of heat processing systems. The candidate will own the fluid and process system design of the Karman Heat Processing Unit (HPU) and subsequent product development, focused on P&ID development and component specification, while supporting skid fabrication, packaged system testing, and field commissioning. The role spans design, analysis, supplier engagement, and hands-on support of build, test, and customer sites. We are a team that relies on a strong first principles approach, working together to deliver a cohesively developed system.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and own P&IDs for Karman HPU and future product lines in accordance with ISA standards

• Select and specify instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature) based on operating conditions, accuracy, sensitivity, and process compatibility

• Size control valves, relief devices, orifices, and other flow components, and identify and engage suitable suppliers

• Size stationary equipment such as heat exchangers, filters, and vessels

• Work with the applications engineering team to interpret customer specifications and translate cycle design state points into component specifications and datasheets for supplier inquiry

• Read and contribute to control narratives in collaboration with the controls team

• Lead or provide critical feedback during HAZOP, PHA, and other system-level safety analyses

• Apply relevant industry codes and standards to system and component design

• Support build of skidded process equipment, working with manufacturing and supply chain through ERP/MRP systems

• Assist testing of complete packaged turbomachinery systems

• Support commissioning at customer sites, including customer training and operational support

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field

• 5+ years of experience in fluid, thermal, or process system design (e.g., rocket propulsion fluid systems, oil & gas process engineering, or HVAC engineering)

• Proven ability to develop P&IDs per ISA standards

• Experience selecting and sizing sensors, valves, orifices, heat exchangers, filters, and vessels

• Working knowledge of relevant industry standards

• Ability to read and contribute to control narratives

• Self-motivated, high performer with the ability to self-manage, multi-task, and communicate excellently

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience running or contributing to HAZOP/PHA-type reviews

• Familiarity with turbomachinery systems and their auxiliary support systems

• Experience generating component specifications from customer requirements and cycle state points for supplier quotation

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and hands-on experience fabricating and building skidded process equipment

• Experience supporting factory acceptance or performance testing of packaged rotating equipment systems

• Experience commissioning equipment in the field and training customer operators

• Familiarity with industrial automation and the vendor ecosystem

Role level to be determined during interview process

Karman Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Karman Industries is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Direct applicants only — we are not working with outside recruiters or agencies for this role.