Chief Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.

Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You'll Do:

The Chief Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level
9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The Chief Systems Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Overall Technical Authority

• Leads the space system's architecture and major design decisions

• Balances performance, SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost), and risk

• Signs off on design maturity and readiness at every review (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
2. Systems Engineering Leadership

• Ensures all subsystems (GNC, power, comms, structures, thermal, avionics, software, payload, etc.) integrate correctly

• Owns system requirements: flow-down, allocation, verification, validation
3. Mission Performance & Safety

• Ensures the Space Kinetic system meets mission performance (pointing, power budget, data throughput, lifetime, survivability)

• Oversee environmental qualification (vibration, shock, TVAC, EMI, radiation considerations)

What It Takes:

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance
• Have successfully flown two spacecrafts from concept to mission operations.

What We'd Love:

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
• Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry

Where You'll Be:

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer:

• Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

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…