Ryan Colton

Ryan Colton serves as the General Manager for Karman Space & Defense’s Los Angeles and Wilsonville facilities, where he oversees multi-site operations supporting critical defense and spaceflight programs. With over 20 years of experience in aerospace and precision manufacturing, Mr. Colton is focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and building high-performing teams to deliver complex, mission-critical components to the nation’s leading defense and space customers.

Prior to joining Karman, Mr. Colton held senior leadership roles at Precision Castparts Corp., where he led advanced manufacturing programs across the aerospace, commercial, and medical sectors. His expertise spans large-scale operations, quality systems development, and continuous improvement initiatives within highly regulated environments.

Mr. Colton holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University and completed an Executive Leadership Program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He is certified in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, and is passionate about disciplined execution, workforce development, and advancing Karman’s mission to lead the next generation of space and defense manufacturing.