SETA Engineering Intern; Mechanical & Astrodynamics

SETA Engineering Intern (Mechanical & Astrodynamics)

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

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 & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a highly motivated SETA Engineering Intern to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics-related projects. This role is ideal for a highly analytical aerospace student or recent graduate interested in working closely with leadership on advanced space technology concepts, engineering trades, and research activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

What It Takes:

• Currently enrolled for a Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be a recent college graduate OR graduate within the last semester of your program.
• Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities
• Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations
• Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications
• Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials
• Support engineering coordination and follow-up across technical teams
• Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches
• Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews
• Support rapid research tasks and problem-solving activities in a startup environment

What We’d Love:

• Familiarity with astrodynamics or orbital mechanics concepts
• Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus
• Strong research and technical writing ability
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently
• Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment

Where You’ll Be:

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range: $20 - $30 USD