Space Kinetic Corp.
Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
Space Kinetic Corp., El Segundo, California, United States, 90245
Overview
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national 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 and aims to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do
Based out of Space Kinetic's headquarters in Torrance, CA, the Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the analysis, design, and design validation of our core electromechanical deployment system. You will take a prototype and make it flight ready, define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analyses, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will lead the mechanical team, coordinate with technical experts, and deliver results for internal leadership. Responsibilities
Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural analyses of spacecraft and payloads including core bus structure, joints, appendages, optical systems, booms, and deployables Maintain state-of-the-art skills in design, evaluation, and testing of space structures with expertise in structural mechanics, failure criteria, composite design, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, and advanced finite element methods Communicate with inter-organizational personnel and leadership to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including sensor selection, data acquisition/validation, and environmental determinations (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal) Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including FEM verification/validation, material selection, trade studies, and mass optimization Perform structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic) Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components Lead technical projects and programs across analysis and disciplines Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in technical areas What It Takes
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering (or 9 years with an MS or 7 years with a PhD) Experience or coursework in structural mechanics (composites, nonlinear materials, plates/shells, FEM, fracture, fatigue) Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams Direct experience correlating FEM predictions with test results Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment across military, government, and industry partners Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work with minimal direction; strong analytical, creative, and detail-oriented thinking; calm under pressure; readiness to follow through; and openness to feedback U.S. citizen or national, or U.S. lawful permanent resident Must be able to obtain/maintain Government Security Clearance What We’d Love
Experience analyzing additive manufactured parts (3D printing) Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples) Structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joints, materials characterization, environmental effects) Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation (metal plasticity, elastomers, adhesives) Ability to translate physics of structures into conclusive assessments Proficiency with ANSYS or similar FEM tools We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who are driven to succeed Where You’ll Be
Onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20%). What We Offer
Equity-Based Compensation Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Performance-Based Bonus Structure Health and Wellness Stipend Commuter Benefits 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national 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 and aims to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do
Based out of Space Kinetic's headquarters in Torrance, CA, the Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the analysis, design, and design validation of our core electromechanical deployment system. You will take a prototype and make it flight ready, define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analyses, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will lead the mechanical team, coordinate with technical experts, and deliver results for internal leadership. Responsibilities
Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural analyses of spacecraft and payloads including core bus structure, joints, appendages, optical systems, booms, and deployables Maintain state-of-the-art skills in design, evaluation, and testing of space structures with expertise in structural mechanics, failure criteria, composite design, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, and advanced finite element methods Communicate with inter-organizational personnel and leadership to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including sensor selection, data acquisition/validation, and environmental determinations (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal) Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including FEM verification/validation, material selection, trade studies, and mass optimization Perform structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic) Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components Lead technical projects and programs across analysis and disciplines Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in technical areas What It Takes
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering (or 9 years with an MS or 7 years with a PhD) Experience or coursework in structural mechanics (composites, nonlinear materials, plates/shells, FEM, fracture, fatigue) Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams Direct experience correlating FEM predictions with test results Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment across military, government, and industry partners Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work with minimal direction; strong analytical, creative, and detail-oriented thinking; calm under pressure; readiness to follow through; and openness to feedback U.S. citizen or national, or U.S. lawful permanent resident Must be able to obtain/maintain Government Security Clearance What We’d Love
Experience analyzing additive manufactured parts (3D printing) Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples) Structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joints, materials characterization, environmental effects) Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation (metal plasticity, elastomers, adhesives) Ability to translate physics of structures into conclusive assessments Proficiency with ANSYS or similar FEM tools We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who are driven to succeed Where You’ll Be
Onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20%). What We Offer
Equity-Based Compensation Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Performance-Based Bonus Structure Health and Wellness Stipend Commuter Benefits 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr