Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, California

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:

We are seeking a Systems Engineer to guide spacecraft and mission systems from concept development through integration, launch, and operations. This role will manage requirements, interfaces, verification, and technical coordination across complex government space programs.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage system requirements, architectures, interfaces, and technical baselines.
• Translate mission objectives into clear and verifiable system and subsystem requirements.
• Maintain requirements traceability and verification evidence throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain MBSE models using Cameo and SysML.
• Coordinate technical work across spacecraft, payload, software, ground, and mission operations teams.
• Develop integration, verification, and validation plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Support spacecraft testing, mission simulations, anomaly resolution, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Lead technical trades, risk assessments, design reviews, and customer presentations.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, or another complex technical environment.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft hardware, software, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Experience developing requirements and defining system and subsystem interfaces.
• Experience supporting system integration, verification, validation, and testing.
• Strong technical judgment, writing, communication, and multidisciplinary problem-solving skills.

What We'd Love:

• Experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and test.
• Technical depth in avionics, GNC, structures, flight software, or another spacecraft subsystem.
• Experience leading integrated spacecraft testing.
• Experience with Cameo, SysML, Jama, DOORS, Polarion, or similar tools.
• Experience with government space missions, commissioning, or anomaly response.
• Experience with spacecraft autonomy, fault management, mission assurance, Python, or MATLAB.

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

$135,000 - $175,000 USD