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Senior Technical Recruiter

El Segundo, California

Senior Technical Recruiter 

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: 

Space Kinetic is seeking an experienced Technical Recruiter to help build the team that will redefine how humanity operates in space. This individual will serve as a strategic talent partner to engineering and leadership teams, leading full-cycle recruiting efforts across highly technical disciplines including spacecraft systems, avionics, software, GNC, propulsion, manufacturing, test, and mission operations. 

The ideal candidate has experience scaling teams at venture-backed aerospace, defense, or deep-tech companies and understands how to identify, engage, and close world-class engineering talent in highly competitive markets. This role requires exceptional sourcing ability, strong technical fluency, and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment. 

Basic Responsibilities:

Full-Cycle Technical Recruiting

  • Own end-to-end recruiting processes across engineering, operations, and leadership roles.
  • Develop sourcing strategies to identify exceptional candidates from aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, and adjacent industries 
  • Manage candidate pipelines from initial outreach through offer acceptance and onboarding 

Space Industry Talent Acquisition

  • Leverage existing networks across the commercial space, defense, and advanced technology ecosystems
  •  Identify and recruit top talent from established aerospace primes, venture-backed startups, government laboratories, and research institutions.
  • Build talent pipelines for critical technical functions including systems engineering, flight software, avionics, structures, manufacturing, propulsion, and mission operations 

Hiring Manager Partnership

  • Partner closely with engineering leaders to define hiring needs, role requirements, and candidate evaluation criteria.
  •  Develop structured interview processes that assess technical excellence, startup aptitude, and cultural alignment

Talent Brand & Recruiting Operations

  •  Serve as an ambassador for Space Kinetic's mission, culture, and technology vision
  • Build and maintain recruiting processes, metrics, and reporting mechanisms that support company growth
  • Represent Space Kinetic at industry conferences, networking events, university recruiting activities, and technical communities 

What It Takes: 

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, including experience hiring engineers and technical professionals
  • Demonstrated experience building teams within the aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, or deep technology sectors 
  • Strong sourcing experience utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach strategies 
  • Track record of successfully hiring highly specialized technical talent in competitive markets 
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and candidate-closing skills 
     

What We'd Love: 

  • Experience helping scale an early-stage aerospace or defense technology startup
  • Existing network within the commercial space and national security space communities
  • Experience recruiting spacecraft, propulsion, GNC, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering talent 
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere 

Where You'll Be: 

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA 

What We Offer: 

  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure 
  • Health and Wellness Stipend 
  • Commuter Benefits 

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 

$140,000 - $200,000 USD

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

$140,000 - $200,000 USD

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