System Administrator

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, 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 System Administrator w ill handle the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and support of Space Kinetic's IT environment. This role combines traditional system administration with hands-on networking responsibilities and a strong awareness of cybersecurity best practices. The administrator will work closely with the Director of IT and support all internal users.

• Provide daily technical support for Windows, Linux, and cloud-based systems.
• Administer servers, endpoints, virtualization environments, and cloud services.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, MFA systems, and onboarding/offboarding processes.
• Perform routine system monitoring, patching, backups, and hardware maintenance.
• Support networking tasks including:
• Configuring switches, access points, VLANs
• Troubleshooting connectivity issues
• Maintaining network diagrams and documentation
• Assist in enforcing cybersecurity policies and secure configurations.
• Support the review of firewall alerts, endpoint alerts, and system logs.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and workflows.
• Collaborate with compliance staff on technical security control implementation.

What It Takes:

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity, networking, information systems, or related field or equivalent experience. Graduates from CAE-CD (NSA/CISA) designated programs are encouraged to apply.
• 2–5 years of experience in system administration, IT support, or network administration.
• Strong understanding of Windows Server, Intune, and common enterprise tools.
• Experience managing switches, firewalls, and access points.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and basic threat/risk concepts.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve issues independently and communicate clearly with users.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and adapt to changing needs
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. 
• 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).

What We'd Love:

• Experience with NIST 800-171 or CMMC-related environments.
• Knowledge of virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox) or cloud services.
• Scripting ability (PowerShell, Python, Bash).

Where You'll Be:

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

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

$75,000—$95,000 USD