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Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics 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: 

The Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer will design, model, simulate, and implement custom motor controllers and power-conversion systems for a spacecraft payload. This hands-on role will work across hardware, software, and systems engineering to rapidly develop and prepare prototype technology for flight.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Design spacecraft actuators, motor controls, power electronics, and power systems.
  • Model and simulate electromechanical and power systems for feasibility, optimization, and system sizing.
  • Implement motor-control designs on DSP and FPGA targets.
  • Develop hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations.
  • Perform iterative testing and develop operational knowledge of the complete payload.
  • Coordinate electrical and software requirements across engineering teams.
  • Evaluate buy-versus-build decisions and communicate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
What It Takes: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field OR a Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for two years of experience per advanced degree.
  • 7+ years of motor controls and power electronics experience. 
  • Experience with dynamic modeling and controls in MATLAB.
  • Strong knowledge of BLDC motors and control algorithms, including field-oriented control.
  • Experience with power-converter topologies and their controls.
  • Experience implementing algorithms in hardware and software for target deployment.
  • Strong systems-thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

What We'd Love:

  • Familiarity with payload-interface hardware used in spaceflight missions.
  • Hands-on circuit-design and software-development experience.
  • Understanding of spaceflight payloads and space-environment effects. 
Where You’ll Be: 
  • The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.  

What We Offer:  

  • Competitive Base Salary + 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, 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

$180,000 - $210,000 USD

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