CAD Design Engineer

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.

The CAD Design Engineer will design and build prototypes for Space Kinetic’s core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities include working with the manufacturing/engineering team to finalize the current prototype’s CAD design—refining tolerances, completing mechanism design, providing 2D CAD drawings for manufacturing, and working with vendors to source components. You will then enhance the prototype design to achieve significant weight reduction (targeting a 30% decrease) and increase its stiffness and rigidity. Subsequent phases involve revising mechanism designs to incorporate the latest advancements, minimizing vibration, re-designing the prototype for manufacturing with tolerancing for plating processes, adapting the prototype for future tests (air-bearing, zero-g flights, T-Vac chamber testing), and performing comprehensive analysis of test data to drive design iterations toward a flight-ready prototype.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Proven experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering, specifically skilled in mechanical design and space mechanisms.
• Proficiency in Solid Works, GD&T, Space Mechanism Design, Test Structure Design, Build for Manufacturing, Vibration, Rotary Component Design, and Space Structural Design.
• Demonstrated aerospace experience is essential.
• Experience in executing experiments in a laboratory or R&D environment, skilled in data collection and implementing design modifications based on experimental outcomes.
• Ability to work with minimal direction, strong analytical, creative, innovative, detail-oriented, calm under pressure, follow-through, motivating, receptive, and effective written communication.
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or eligible to obtain required authorizations under U.S. export regulations. Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance.

• Experience with space-grade components and ratings.
• Adept in testing for in-space operations.
• Passion for the commercial and government space industry.
• Demonstrated experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle system development.

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

• Competitive base salary + 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.

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees under 8 U.S.C. §1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Salary range: $100,000–$140,000 USD. Pay grades are determined by role, level, location, and market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis.