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Overview
Job Description A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You'll Do
The Chief Systems Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary systems engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The individual in this role is responsible for leading the Systems Engineering & Integration Team (SEIT), overseeing development of system requirements, architecture, and design of the Longbow payload system. The successful candidate will lead the Systems Engineering organizations and ensure the systems engineering team meets its objectives. The Chief Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives. Responsibilities Led and built a world-class team of space systems engineers to develop cutting-edge space vehicle payload technology; promote professional growth. Spearheaded mission system requirements definition driving prototype-to-design, through integration, testing, and deployment of the Longbow space technology ensuring successful prototype development through TRL 9 and space deployment of Longbow Payload. Defined and allocated requirements to support design and producibility improvements; ensured seamless integration of payload design improvements toward flight. Established and led a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to align with customer expectations and philosophy. Developed partnerships with Space Systems Engineering Centers of Excellence to promote Space Kinetic systems and products. Led system development and integration: system design trades, system integration and mission operations for full-scale space hardware deployments. Acted as the technical authority for technical readiness reviews, engineering change orders, RCCA, and continuous improvement activities. Prepared and briefed status of development and production, risks, payload roadmaps to government and customer stakeholders. Coordinated space mission objectives across stakeholders: work across Space Kinetic teams, external partners, and government stakeholders to align mission operations goals and timelines. Fostered data-driven, results-oriented culture: implemented rigorous integration & test methodologies and performance validation framework with operational feedback for continuous improvement. Championed cross-functional collaboration: established intra-team communication processes, led configuration control board, system requirements, software configuration, payload review boards and mission operations to accelerate Longbow development, qualification, and deployment. What It Takes
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field 10+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation. 10+ years of professional experience developing complex space mechanisms, payloads with electromechanical subsystems and bringing these successfully from low TRL level to a pre-production level is a plus. 10+ years of space systems experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life cycle development of space hardware products (not small incremental updates to legacy hardware). 10+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging Proven track record of leading space systems products, with strong leadership and people management skills. Extensive experience in systems engineering, including developing space systems requirements, leading configuration control boards and familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering process. Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive innovation and lead change. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with senior leadership and other stakeholders. Experience in managing large-scale engineering projects, including project planning, execution, and delivery. Ability and willingness to obtain a Top-Secret clearance What We'd Love
Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Extensive experience in aerospace or space technology sectors, particularly with complex and high-precision engineering environments. Prior experience leading complex space component or assembly from initial design through production ramp as a lead systems engineer. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere Passion for advancing the commercial and 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 Health and Wellness Stipend Commuter Benefits ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. or , (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent (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 , color, , age, , , , , veteran status, 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$150,000—$230,000 USD
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Job Description A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You'll Do
The Chief Systems Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary systems engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The individual in this role is responsible for leading the Systems Engineering & Integration Team (SEIT), overseeing development of system requirements, architecture, and design of the Longbow payload system. The successful candidate will lead the Systems Engineering organizations and ensure the systems engineering team meets its objectives. The Chief Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives. Responsibilities Led and built a world-class team of space systems engineers to develop cutting-edge space vehicle payload technology; promote professional growth. Spearheaded mission system requirements definition driving prototype-to-design, through integration, testing, and deployment of the Longbow space technology ensuring successful prototype development through TRL 9 and space deployment of Longbow Payload. Defined and allocated requirements to support design and producibility improvements; ensured seamless integration of payload design improvements toward flight. Established and led a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to align with customer expectations and philosophy. Developed partnerships with Space Systems Engineering Centers of Excellence to promote Space Kinetic systems and products. Led system development and integration: system design trades, system integration and mission operations for full-scale space hardware deployments. Acted as the technical authority for technical readiness reviews, engineering change orders, RCCA, and continuous improvement activities. Prepared and briefed status of development and production, risks, payload roadmaps to government and customer stakeholders. Coordinated space mission objectives across stakeholders: work across Space Kinetic teams, external partners, and government stakeholders to align mission operations goals and timelines. Fostered data-driven, results-oriented culture: implemented rigorous integration & test methodologies and performance validation framework with operational feedback for continuous improvement. Championed cross-functional collaboration: established intra-team communication processes, led configuration control board, system requirements, software configuration, payload review boards and mission operations to accelerate Longbow development, qualification, and deployment. What It Takes
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field 10+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation. 10+ years of professional experience developing complex space mechanisms, payloads with electromechanical subsystems and bringing these successfully from low TRL level to a pre-production level is a plus. 10+ years of space systems experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life cycle development of space hardware products (not small incremental updates to legacy hardware). 10+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging Proven track record of leading space systems products, with strong leadership and people management skills. Extensive experience in systems engineering, including developing space systems requirements, leading configuration control boards and familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering process. Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive innovation and lead change. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with senior leadership and other stakeholders. Experience in managing large-scale engineering projects, including project planning, execution, and delivery. Ability and willingness to obtain a Top-Secret clearance What We'd Love
Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Extensive experience in aerospace or space technology sectors, particularly with complex and high-precision engineering environments. Prior experience leading complex space component or assembly from initial design through production ramp as a lead systems engineer. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere Passion for advancing the commercial and 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 Health and Wellness Stipend Commuter Benefits ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. or , (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent (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 , color, , age, , , , , veteran status, 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$150,000—$230,000 USD
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