Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

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, attritable, 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 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.

Job 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  
• Experince working with space systems

What We’d Love:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
• 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
• 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

$170,000—$240,000 USD