Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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.

What You'll Do:

The Chief Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The Chief Systems Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

• Technical Authority: Serve as the technical authority for the Space Kinetic system, leading its architecture and major design decisions.
• Technical Execution: Provide mission planning, requirements definition, and technical oversight across engineering and programmatic functions.
• System Requirements: Own system requirements, including flow-down, allocation, verification, and validation.
• Subsystem Integration: Ensure GNC, power, communications, structures, thermal, avionics, software, and payload subsystems integrate correctly.
• Performance & Risk: Balance system performance, SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost), and risk.
• Design Readiness: Approve design maturity and readiness at major reviews, including PDR, CDR, and TRR.
• Mission Performance: Ensure the system meets requirements for pointing, power budget, data throughput, lifetime, and survivability.
• Environmental Qualification: Oversee environmental qualification, including vibration, shock, TVAC, EMI, and radiation considerations.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in leadership positions involving satellite system development, integration, and operations.
• Demonstrated experience successfully taking at least two spacecraft from concept through mission operations.
• Experience supporting space hardware development from system concept and requirements through Technology Readiness Level 9.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance.

What We'd Love:

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced and demanding startup environment.
• Passion for advancing the commercial and national security space industry.

Where You'll Be:  

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year). 

What We Offer:  

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

ITAR Requirements:   
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

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

$220,000—$280,000 USD