Shipping Supervisor

Huntington Beach

SUMMARY

As part of our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, the Shipping Supervisor is responsible for leading the shipping function to ensure efficient, compliant, and on-time delivery of all outgoing products.

This position oversees a small team of shipping clerks, managing daily operations, coordinating shipments, and implementing procedures in accordance with company policy, AS9100 standards, and customer requirements. The Shipping Supervisor drives continuous improvement, supports team development, and promotes operational efficiency across all shipping activities..

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 & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of shipping personnel engaged in verifying, preparing, packaging, and processing outgoing shipments.
• Establish clear performance goals and expectations for team members.
• Lead, train, and mentor team members to ensure competence, engagement, and accountability.
• Monitor and approve timecards and ensure compliance with timekeeping policies.
• Evaluate employee performance, conduct regular check-ins, and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement through daily engagement and coaching.
• Maintain accurate performance metrics and visual management tools to monitor productivity, accuracy, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with planning, production, and quality teams to ensure shipment readiness and schedule alignment.

Shipping Operations

• Plan, schedule, and arrange all outbound shipments to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Lead and oversee daily shipping operations, ensuring compliance with export/import, trade, and AS9100 requirements.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, carriers, and brokers to secure competitive rates and reliable transport solutions.
• Review and approve shipping documentation prepared by the shipping team to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor shipment status, address delays or carrier performance issues, and communicate proactively with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure shipping personnel follow proper procedures for packaging, labeling, and documentation in accordance with customer and regulatory standards.
• Maintain oversight of shipping material inventory levels, approving replenishment needs and optimizing usage.
• Ensure Compliance with ITAR/Export Shipping requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Implement and maintain shipping procedures that support AS9100 compliance, first-time quality, and on-time delivery.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Support lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives within the shipping area.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, and export control requirements.
• Lead or support audits, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives related to shipping operations.

General

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support communication between departments to ensure alignment of production and logistics goals.
  Perform additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Required: U.S. Person per ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Required: AS9100 experience and knowledge.
• Required: Knowledge of ITAR and EAR Export requirements.
• Preferred Education: Associate or bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or related field.
• Preferred Experience: 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or logistics environment with supervisory responsibilities.
• Preferred: ERP experience (EPICOR highly desirable).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop team members.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic and international shipping practices, documentation, and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to identify and resolve operational issues proactively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
  Commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No travel required for this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking in a manufacturing and office environment
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally
  Extended computer use and occasional overtime or weekend work to support key milestones

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.