SETA Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire

SETA Engineering (Mechanical/Astrodynamics/Physics) Internship (Path to Full Time Hire)

El Segundo, California

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

Our Intern Program:

Space Kinetic's internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic's mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.

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.

This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

• Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities
• Perform highly analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, methodologies, and technical recommendations.
• 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
• Support research into new mission and commercial applications by developing trade studies, pros and cons analyses, first-principles assessments, and early-stage simulations and models.

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.
• Strong background in physics and mathematics
• Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, simulation, and data processing.
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently
• Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment

What We'd Love:

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
• Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations
• Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems,…