Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer

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, 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.

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, 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.
What You’ll Do:
The Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer will design, model, simulate, and implement custom motor controllers and power-conversion systems for a spacecraft payload. This hands-on role will work across hardware, software, and systems engineering to rapidly develop and prepare prototype technology for flight.
Job Responsibilities:

• Design spacecraft actuators, motor controls, power electronics, and power systems.
• Model and simulate electromechanical and power systems for feasibility, optimization, and system sizing.
• Implement motor-control designs on DSP and FPGA targets.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations.
• Perform iterative testing and develop operational knowledge of the complete payload.
• Coordinate electrical and software requirements across engineering teams.
• Evaluate buy-versus-build decisions and communicate cost, schedule, and technical risks.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field OR a Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for two years of experience per advanced degree.
• 7+ years of motor controls and power electronics experience.
• Experience with dynamic modeling and controls in MATLAB.
• Strong knowledge of BLDC motors and control algorithms, including field-oriented control.
• Experience with power-converter topologies and their controls.
• Experience implementing algorithms in hardware and software for target deployment.
• Strong systems-thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with payload-interface hardware used in spaceflight missions.
• Hands-on circuit-design and software-development experience.
• Understanding of spaceflight payloads and space-environment effects.

• 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…