Technical Program Director

Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a venture‑backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low‑cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL‑5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do: We are seeking a Project Manager to support technical program execution, coordinate cross‑functional engineering activities, and help drive aerospace development programs from planning through execution. The Project Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating technical projects involving aerospace hardware development, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, and program deliverables. This role combines technical coordination, project execution discipline, and aerospace program support to help ensure engineering development efforts move efficiently from concept through production readiness. This position requires engineering understanding sufficient to communicate effectively with technical teams, manage schedules, identify risks, and ensure projects remain aligned with customer requirements, internal milestones, and business objectives. The Project Manager serves as a central point of coordination between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, leadership, and external stakeholders. Lead planning, coordination, and execution of aerospace engineering and hardware development projects Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, action trackers, and program status reporting Coordinate closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure execution against program goals Support technical reviews, design reviews, production readiness discussions, and milestone planning Monitor project scope, schedule, cost drivers, and execution risks Identify schedule impacts, technical dependencies, and program constraints early andescalate when needed Track deliverables, action items, procurement dependencies, and critical path activities Facilitate internal meetings and ensure follow‑up actions are completed across teams Support customer‑facing updates, program documentation, and status communications as needed Help manage contract deliverables and internal execution against awarded program requirements Work closely with engineering teams to understand technical priorities and execution challenges Assist leadership in translating technical development priorities into executable project plans Support disciplined configuration management processes for hardware and software to maintain revision control, traceability, and alignment across program activities Coordinate and monitor test‑readiness activities, including technical preparation, documentation status, material readiness, and integration planning prior to test execution Support integration activities across hardware and software elements, maintaining visibility into dependencies that affect system performance and program milestones Demonstrate understanding of how software integrates within broader system architecture and support coordination between software and hardware development efforts Support continuous improvement in program controls, reporting structure, and execution discipline What It Takes: Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (preferred) 5+ years of project management experience supporting engineering, aerospace, manufacturing, or hardware development programs Aerospace industry experience required Strong understanding of engineering development processes, technical schedules, and hardware program execution Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and software functions Experience managing schedules, technical action tracking, and cross‑functional program execution Familiarity with hardware development lifecycle, integration activities, and test planning Understanding of disciplined configuration management principles for hardware and software environments Ability to identify technical dependencies, schedule risks, and execution constraints early Strong communication skills with ability to interface across technical teams and leadership Experience supporting technical reviews, program reporting, and milestone‑driven execution Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting prototype, flight hardware, or aerospace product development programs Familiarity with test readiness reviews, integration planning, and engineering release processes Understanding of software integration within broader system architecture Experience supporting customer‑funded programs, contract deliverables, or defense‑related development efforts PMP certification or equivalent project/program management training is a plus 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 Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 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. 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. Pay Range $150,000‑$255,000 USD #J-18808-Ljbffr