Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are

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. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do

We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems
• Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture
• Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software
• Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms
• Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities
• Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test
• Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
• Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems
• Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns
• Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development
• Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior
• Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops
• Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software
• Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python
• Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems

What We’d Love

• Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background
• Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing
• Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows
• Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols
• Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred
• Real-time embedded systems
• Control loop implementation
• Motor controllers and actuator interfaces
• Sensor integration and signal processing
• Simulation and modeling workflows
• System debugging and integration testing
• Cross-functional engineering collaboration

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
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

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: $170,000 — $240,000 USD