Chief Engineer

Space Kinetic is a cleared, 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, providing the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do:

The Chief Systems Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering professional with extensive experience leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations. The role requires deep technical excellence in space system mission design and the development of space hardware from System Concept through Technology Readiness Level 9. In a fast‑paced start‑up agile environment, you will provide critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight, and support all engineering and programmatic functions within the company.

Core Responsibilities

• Leads the space system’s architecture and major design decisions.
• Balances performance, SWaP‑C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost), and risk.
• Signs off on design maturity and readiness at every review.
• Ensures all subsystems (GNC, power, comms, propulsion, structures, thermal, avionics, software, payload, etc.) integrate correctly.
• Owns system requirements: flow‑down, allocation, verification, validation.
• Ensures the Space Kinetic system meets mission performance (pointing, power budget, data throughput, lifetime, survivability).

What It Takes

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance.

What We’d Love

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start‑up atmosphere.
• 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
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Health and Wellness Stipend

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.

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.

Salary

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

$150,000 - $230,000 USD