Senior Machine Design 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, 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 Senior Machine Design Engineer to design, analyze, prototype, and validate complex machines, precision mechanisms, and electromechanical systems. This individual will apply first-principles engineering and practical machine-design experience to develop robust, manufacturable hardware for demanding aerospace environments. The role will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, test , suppliers, and program leadership to deliver flight-ready systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical architectures and concepts for complex machines, precision mechanisms, structures, and assemblies.
• Own hardware from initial requirements and trade studies through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production.
• Perform engineering calculations covering stress, fatigue, deflection, thermal expansion, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Select and integrate bearings, motors, gearboxes, ball screws, linear guides, springs, clutches, fasteners, and related components.
• Create production-ready SolidWorks models, detailed manufacturing drawings, interfaces, and GD&T specifications.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles while working with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
• Build and test prototypes, root-cause hardware failures, and implement corrective design actions.
• Support qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum testing.

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience designing complex machines, mechanical systems, or precision mechanisms.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Strong knowledge of machine design, mechanical component selection, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience using hand calculations and FEA to guide and validate mechanical designs.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, and related production processes.
• Demonstrated experience taking hardware from concept through prototype, test, qualification, and production.
• Ability to maintain a U.S. Goverment security clearance.

What We’d Love

• Experience designing aerospace, spacecraft, defense, robotics, industrial automation, or other high-performance electromechanical systems.
• Experience with gear trains, linkages, cams, bearings, belt and chain drives, linear-motion systems, and direct-drive motors.
• Experience designing springs, dampers, or other energy-storage and motion-control mechanisms.
• Experience developing hardware for vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, and other demanding environments.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and analysis.
• Experience supporting flight hardware qualification, configuration control, and production.

Where You’ll Be

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

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

$120,000 - $160,000 USD