Machine Design Engineer

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 Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic’s core technology as we work toward a flight demonstration within the next two years. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, machinists, test teams, and external vendors to move hardware from early prototypes toward a flight-ready design. This role requires strong mechanical design fundamentals, hands-on problem-solving, and the ability to use test results to drive continuous design improvements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Refine prototype CAD models, mechanism designs, tolerance analyses, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing teams, and vendors to source components and ensure designs are producible.
• Redesign prototype hardware to achieve a targeted 30% weight reduction while improving stiffness, rigidity, structural performance, and vibration response.
• Apply GD&T and Design for Manufacturing principles, including tolerancing for plating and other production processes.
• Adapt hardware and design test structures for air-bearing, zero-gravity flight, and thermal-vacuum testing across multiple orientations and environments.
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements that move each prototype iteration closer to flight readiness.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant aerospace or mechanical engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems, space mechanisms, or aerospace hardware.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Experience with rotary components, vibration, structural design, test-fixture development, and Design for Manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience conducting tests in a laboratory or R&D environment, analyzing results, and implementing design changes.
• Ability to work with limited direction and obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

What We’d Love:

• Experience selecting and designing with space-grade components.
• Experience designing hardware for testing or operation in space environments.
• Experience developing spacecraft or launch-vehicle systems.
• Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry.

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: $100,000 USD - $140,000 USD