Karman Space and Defense Appoints First Chief Information and Artificial Intelligence Officer

Karman Space and Defense has created a new executive role that reflects the accelerating digital and AI demands of the space and defense sector, appointing Stefan Knighton as the company’s first Chief Information and Artificial Intelligence Officer. The position, effective June 1, elevates the traditional CIO function into a broader mandate that integrates enterprise IT, AI strategy and digital transformation across Karman’s nationwide operations.

Expanded Role Aligns Technology Infrastructure With Mission Demands

Karman’s leadership framed the new role as essential to operating at the speed and precision required for national security and space access missions. The CIAIO position consolidates responsibility for IT operations, AI governance, tool and model evaluation, and enterprise wide implementation. Knighton will also oversee the company’s Business Systems organization and the continued rollout of the Karman Operating System, the unified platform designed to standardize processes, strengthen cybersecurity and improve operational agility across all facilities.

Industry Veteran Brings Deep Digital Transformation Experience

Knighton joins Karman with two decades of experience leading complex technology modernization efforts. His background includes enterprise transformation leadership at Kyndryl, CIO and digital transformation roles within Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business and more than a decade of commercial IT and supply chain experience at Fujifilm. His expertise spans integrating disparate legacy systems, supporting acquisition driven growth, and establishing Centers of Excellence to sustain long term value.

Partnership With Growth Signals Strengthens AI Strategy

The appointment coincides with Karman’s new partnership with Growth Signals, a generative AI platform founded by Carnegie Mellon professor Sean Ammirati. The platform is designed to help enterprises translate emerging technology insights into actionable strategy, supporting Karman’s goal of building a more adaptive and information driven operating model. Leadership emphasized that combining Knighton’s role with platforms like Growth Signals will reinforce the company’s digital backbone and enhance responsiveness to customer priorities.

Positioning for the Next Phase of Space and Defense Growth

Karman continues to scale its capabilities across payload and protection systems, hydro and aerodynamic interstage systems and propulsion and launch systems, supporting more than 130 programs across 80 prime contractors. The creation of the CIAIO role signals the company’s intent to integrate digital and AI capabilities directly into its core engineering and production workflows, a trend increasingly visible across the aerospace and defense industrial base.