Space Kinetic
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 assembling its TRL-5 prototype to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do
The Senior Designer
will design and build prototypes for Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. You will collaborate with the Space Kinetic manufacturing/engineering team to finalize the current prototype's CAD design, refine the design with detailed tolerancing for all prototype development phases, complete mechanism design, provide 2D CAD drawings for manufacturing, and work with vendors to source components. You will be responsible for enhancing the prototype design to achieve significant weight reduction (targeting a 30% decrease) while increasing stiffness and rigidity. The role includes revising mechanism designs to incorporate the latest advancements, minimizing system vibration, and performing a mechanical redesign to ensure manufacturability with attention to tolerancing for plating processes. You will adapt the prototype for future tests (air bearing, zero-g flights, and T-Vac chamber testing) with structural adjustments to facilitate testing in various orientations and environments while meeting rigorous safety standards. Finally, you will conduct comprehensive ongoing analysis of test data to inform design changes and move toward a flight-ready prototype with each iteration. What It Takes
Bachelor's Degree
in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of related experience. Advanced Degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in similar disciplines are highly valued with correspondingly lower experience requirements. Proven experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering, specifically skilled in mechanical design and space mechanisms. Proficient in SolidWorks, GD&T, Space Mechanism Design, Test Structure Design, Build for Manufacturing (experience in collaborating with machinists and experience designing for manufacturing), expertise in Vibration, Rotary Component Design, and Space Structural Design. Demonstrated Aerospace experience is essential. Experience in executing experiments in a laboratory or R&D environment, skilled in data collection and adept at implementing design modifications based on experimental outcomes. 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 criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. Ability to build and maintain a network of talented individuals. Prioritizes organizational and planning skills. 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). Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance. What We’d Love
Experience with space-grade components and ratings; adept in testing for in-space operations; passion for the commercial and government space industry; demonstrated experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle system development; experience contributing technical expertise to proposal writing for grants and contracts. 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 Health and Wellness Stipend 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. 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. Pay Range $100,000 - $140,000 USD
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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 assembling its TRL-5 prototype to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do
The Senior Designer
will design and build prototypes for Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. You will collaborate with the Space Kinetic manufacturing/engineering team to finalize the current prototype's CAD design, refine the design with detailed tolerancing for all prototype development phases, complete mechanism design, provide 2D CAD drawings for manufacturing, and work with vendors to source components. You will be responsible for enhancing the prototype design to achieve significant weight reduction (targeting a 30% decrease) while increasing stiffness and rigidity. The role includes revising mechanism designs to incorporate the latest advancements, minimizing system vibration, and performing a mechanical redesign to ensure manufacturability with attention to tolerancing for plating processes. You will adapt the prototype for future tests (air bearing, zero-g flights, and T-Vac chamber testing) with structural adjustments to facilitate testing in various orientations and environments while meeting rigorous safety standards. Finally, you will conduct comprehensive ongoing analysis of test data to inform design changes and move toward a flight-ready prototype with each iteration. What It Takes
Bachelor's Degree
in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of related experience. Advanced Degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in similar disciplines are highly valued with correspondingly lower experience requirements. Proven experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering, specifically skilled in mechanical design and space mechanisms. Proficient in SolidWorks, GD&T, Space Mechanism Design, Test Structure Design, Build for Manufacturing (experience in collaborating with machinists and experience designing for manufacturing), expertise in Vibration, Rotary Component Design, and Space Structural Design. Demonstrated Aerospace experience is essential. Experience in executing experiments in a laboratory or R&D environment, skilled in data collection and adept at implementing design modifications based on experimental outcomes. 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 criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication. Ability to build and maintain a network of talented individuals. Prioritizes organizational and planning skills. 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). Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance. What We’d Love
Experience with space-grade components and ratings; adept in testing for in-space operations; passion for the commercial and government space industry; demonstrated experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle system development; experience contributing technical expertise to proposal writing for grants and contracts. 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 Health and Wellness Stipend 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. 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. Pay Range $100,000 - $140,000 USD
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