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Astrodynamics Engineering Internship (Path to Full Time Hire)

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, 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

Our Intern Program:

Space Kinetic’s internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic’s mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.

What You’ll Do: 

As an Astrodynamics Intern, you will support the modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts of our Mission Engineering team. These will support development of our flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment, as well as other potential missions. You will also work with Space Kinetic engineering teams as necessary to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. The role will require work into orbit/trajectory analysis, parametric studies, development of optimization algorithms, and embedded flight software development. 

What It Takes: 

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, self-driven entrepreneurial workplace 
  • Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university and graduating within the next semester or have recently graduated
  • Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust  
  • Experience with Ansys STK
  • Understanding of Orbital Dynamics
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to career coaching and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. 
  • Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance. 

 What We’d Love: 

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Knowledge of Dynamics and Kinematics
  • Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU) 

Where You’ll Be: 

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

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

$20 - $30 USD

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