Technical Recruiter

Technical Recruiter

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 number 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:

Space Kinetic is seeking a Technical Recruiter to help build the team that will redefine how humanity operates in space. This individual will manage full-cycle recruiting efforts across technical disciplines including spacecraft systems, avionics, software, GNC, manufacturing, test, production, and mission operations.

The ideal candidate has experience recruiting engineers or other specialized technical professionals and understands how to source, engage, and close candidates in competitive markets. This role requires strong sourcing ability, technical curiosity, and the ability to manage multiple searches in a fast-paced startup environment.

Basic Responsibilities:

Full-Cycle Technical Recruiting

• Manage end-to-end recruiting processes across engineering, manufacturing, production, and operations roles
• Develop sourcing strategies and build qualified candidate pipelines
• Manage candidates from initial outreach through offer acceptance and onboarding
• Conduct candidate screens and present qualified candidates to hiring managers

Technical Talent Acquisition

• Identify and engage talent from aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, and adjacent industries
• Build pipelines for systems engineering, flight software, avionics, structures, manufacturing, test, and mission operations
• Source passive candidates through LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, Boolean searches, and direct outreach

Hiring Manager Partnership

• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements and candidate evaluation criteria
• Provide regular pipeline updates, market feedback, and candidate insights
• Support structured interview processes and timely candidate feedback

Talent Brand and Recruiting Operations

• Serve as an ambassador for Space Kinetic's mission, culture, and technology vision
• Maintain accurate candidate records, recruiting metrics, and reporting within Greenhouse
• Provide a consistent and positive candidate experience
• Support recruiting events, university outreach, referrals, and technical community engagement

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, including experience hiring engineers or technical professionals
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and engaging passive candidates
• Experience partnering with hiring managers and managing multiple candidate pipelines
• Strong sourcing experience using LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, Boolean searches, and direct outreach
• Working knowledge of applicant tracking systems and recruiting tools
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills

What We'd Love

• Experience recruiting within aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, hardware, or deep technology
• Experience recruiting spacecraft, software, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, test, or systems engineering talent
• Experience working at a venture-backed startup or fast-growing technical organization
• Familiarity with Greenhouse, LinkedIn Recruiter, Gem, or similar recruiting tools
• Understanding of ITAR, security clearance, or government contracting hiring environments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere

Where You'll Be

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer

• Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

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

$110,000 - $140,000 USD