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Lead Systems Engineer

El Segundo, California

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 Lead Systems Engineer to be a key contributor to our current programs. Own the development, allocation, and management of launch vehicle system requirements. Lead vehicle-level architecture development and system design trades. 
  • Define and maintain requirements traceability from mission objectives through subsystem implementation and verification. 
  • Coordinate technical activities across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, GNC, manufacturing, and test organizations. 
  • Lead system-level integration efforts and identify interface requirements between vehicle subsystems. 
  • Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system specifications, and verification plans. 
  • Support design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and other program milestones. 
  • Lead technical risk identification, mitigation planning, and resolution activities. 
  • Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions during testing and flight operations. 
  • Define system verification and validation strategies and ensure successful execution. 
  • Support launch campaigns, integrated vehicle testing, and flight readiness activities. 
  • Serve as a technical leader and mentor for systems engineering processes and best practices. 

What It Takes:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline. 
  • 10+ years of engineering experience with complex aerospace, defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or high-reliability systems. 
  • Experience developing and managing system requirements. 
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams. 
  • Experience with system integration, verification, and validation activities. 
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle development. 
  • Excellent communication and technical leadership skills. 
  • 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).
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field. 
  • Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, missile systems, or defense aerospace programs. 
  • Experience leading System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR). 
  • Experience developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs). 
  • Familiarity with MBSE tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Capella, or similar platforms. 
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or equivalent. 
  • Understanding of mission analysis, flight operations, and launch vehicle architecture. 
  • Experience supporting flight test programs and launch campaigns. 
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

What We’d Love:

  • Strong systems thinking and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to balance technical detail with vehicle-level decision making. 
  • Comfort working across organizational boundaries and engineering disciplines. 
  • Strong ownership mentality and ability to drive issues to closure. 
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where rapid iteration and execution are critical. 
*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.
 
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

$90,000 - $110,000 USD

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