Systems 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.

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 Systems Engineer to guide spacecraft and mission systems from concept development through integration, launch, and operations. This role will manage requirements, interfaces, verification, and technical coordination across complex government space programs.

• Develop and manage system requirements, architectures, interfaces, and technical baselines.
• Translate mission objectives into clear and verifiable system and subsystem requirements.
• Maintain requirements traceability and verification evidence throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain MBSE models using Cameo and SysML.
• Coordinate technical work across spacecraft, payload, software, ground, and mission operations teams.
• Develop integration, verification, and validation plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Support spacecraft testing, mission simulations, anomaly resolution, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Lead technical trades, risk assessments, design reviews, and customer presentations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, or another complex technical environment.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft hardware, software, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Experience developing requirements and defining system and subsystem interfaces.
• Exper…