Lead Systems Engineer

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, attainable, 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.

We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to be a key contributor to our current programs. Own the development, allocation, and management of launch vehicle system requirements. Lead vehicle‑level architecture development and system design trades.

• Define and maintain requirement traceability from mission objectives through subsystem implementation and verification.
• Coordinate technical activities across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, GNC, manufacturing, and test organizations.
• Lead system‑level integration efforts and identify interface requirements between vehicle subsystems.
• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system specifications, and verification plans.
• Support design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and other program milestones.
• Lead technical risk identification, mitigation planning, and resolution activities.
• Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions during testing and flight operations.
• Define system verification and validation strategies and ensure successful execution.
• Support launch campaigns, integrated vehicle testing, and flight readiness activities.
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor for systems engineering processes and best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with complex aerospace, defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or high‑reliability systems.
• Experience developing and managing system requirements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience with system integration, verification, and validation activities.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle development.
• Excellent communication and technical leadership skills.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green‑card holder).
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, missile systems, or defense aerospace programs.
• Experience leading System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Experience developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Familiarity with MBSE tools such as Cameo, Magic Draw, Capella, or similar platforms.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or equivalent.
• Understanding of mission analysis, flight operations, and launch vehicle architecture.
• Experience supporting flight test programs and launch campaigns.
• Active…