Director of Engineering: Deployables (micro-satellites)

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 number 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: 

The Director of Engineering: Deployables (micro-satellites) will lead the development of ruggedized deployable micro-satellites compatible with Space Kinetic’s Whirlwind platform (a high-velocity, rotary electromechanical deployment system). This position is responsible for the design, analysis, fabrication, integration, testing, qualification, and production transition of an entirely new class of space vehicle for dual use space missions. 

As the technical lead, you will own the entire deployable system from cradle to grave, while working closely with systems, structures, avionics, manufacturing, integration, and test engineers. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable designing in CAD, reviewing analysis, troubleshooting hardware on the production floor, and leading environmental test campaigns. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Technical Leadership 

• Lead the design and development of Whirlwind-compatible deployable micro-satellites from concept through flight.  

• Lead technical design reviews and provide technical guidance across multidisciplinary engineering teams.  

• Mentor engineers while establishing technical direction for deployable systems development.  

• Mechanical Design & Analysis 

• Design a ruggedized micro-satellite capable of surviving high G-loading Whirlwind operational environment.  

• Perform engineering trade studies balancing performance, reliability, mass, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.  

• Generate detailed mechanical designs, production drawings, tolerance analyses, and engineering documentation.  

• Perform structural, thermal, and mechanical analyses to verify design performance.  

• Integration, Test & Production 

• Build prototypes, engineering development units, qualification hardware, and flight hardware.  

• Plan and execute functional, deployment, vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, thermal cycle, and life-cycle testing.  

• Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.  

• Work directly with manufacturing to improve producibility and resolve fabrication or assembly issues.  

• Collaborate with suppliers to develop critical components and support supplier qualification.  

What It Takes: 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.  

• 8+ years of experience developing complex aerospace or high-performance mechanical systems.  

• Demonstrated experience designing precision mechanical assemblies. 

• Experience taking hardware from concept through qualification or production.  

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or CATIA. 

• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).  

• Experience with structural mechanics, materials selection, and mechanical design principles.  

• Excellent communication and technical leadership skills.  

• Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance.  

What We'd Love: 

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.  

• Experience developing spacecraft or launching vehicle hardware.  

• Experience supporting environmental qualification testing including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, acoustic, and deployment testing.  

• Familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.  

• Experience with prototype fabrication, machining, composites, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.  

• Experience supporting production and manufacturing scale-up.  

• Experience supporting government, national security, NASA, or commercial spaceflight programs.  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup environment.  

• Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry.  

Where You'll Be: 

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year). 

What We Offer: 

• Equity-Based Compensation  

• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage  

• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure  

ITAR Requirements: 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

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 interviews, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities, and internal equity.