Head of Technical Programme Management

Technical Program Director
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.
We are seeking a Technical Program Director to lead aerospace hardware programs from planning through production readiness. Lead planning and execution of aerospace engineering and hardware development programs.
Coordinate execution across engineering, manufacturing, software, and supply chain teams.
Identify program risks and constraints and drive actions to resolution.
Support technical reviews, test readiness, integration planning, and production readiness.
Manage customer updates, program documentation, and contract deliverables.
Maintain configuration control and improve program processes and reporting.
What It Takes:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of project management experience supporting aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, or hardware development programs.
• Understanding of engineering development, hardware integration, test planning, and production readiness.
• Experience managing technical schedules and cross-functional program execution.
• Ability to identify technical dependencies, schedule risks, and execution constraints.
• Familiarity with test readiness reviews, integration planning, and engineering release processes.

Understanding of software integration within broader system architectures.
Experience with customer-funded, contract-based, or defense development programs.
PMP certification or equivalent program management training.
The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

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.