Senior Mechanical Engineering-Design

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
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.
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.
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop mechanisms and moving assemblies for Space Kinetic's core technology, supporting our goal of a flight demonstration within the next two years. This role will guide prototype builds and work across simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
Design space-rated mechanisms, including release systems, actuators, gear trains, linkages, payload-pointing systems, and precision motion assemblies.
Perform kinematic studies, torque and friction calculations, tolerance analysis, and material and component selection.
Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and simplified models for simulation and FEA.
Design, build, and test prototypes to validate functionality and performance.
Investigate test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.
Support TVAC, vibration, shock, deployment testing, and spacecraft assembly and integration.
Maintain design documentation and present at SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR reviews.
Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience focused on mechanisms.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, prototype development, and testing.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate across engineering teams.
• S. government security clearance.

Experience designing deployable space mechanisms or high-reliability aerospace hardware.
Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings.
Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.
Hands-on experience building prototypes and troubleshooting mechanisms.
Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

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

S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.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.

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.