Systems 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: We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support the development, integration, and testing of spacecraft and mission systems. Working alongside experienced systems engineers, you will help translate mission objectives into technical requirements, coordinate subsystem interfaces, and support verification and validation activities throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer interested in gaining hands-on experience across spacecraft systems, engineering integration, and mission development. Job Responsibilities: - Support the development, documentation, and maintenance of spacecraft system and subsystem requirements. - Assist with translating mission objectives and technical needs into clear, measurable engineering requirements. - Support the identification and documentation of interfaces between spacecraft subsystems, including avionics, electrical power, structures, payloads, software, and ground systems. - Assist with requirements traceability, technical documentation, and engineering configuration management. - Participate in system architecture development, design reviews, and technical trade studies. - Support spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities. - Assist with developing and executing integration, verification, and validation plans and test procedures. - Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and payload engineering teams to resolve technical issues. - Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and documentation of engineering anomalies. - Contribute to engineering reports, presentations, test documentation, and technical deliverables. - Learn and apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools to support system-level engineering activities. What It Takes: - Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. - 0-3 years of relevant engineering experience, including internships, university research, capstone projects, or hands-on engineering projects. - Foundational understanding of systems engineering principles and the spacecraft development lifecycle. - Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, software, or aerospace subsystems and how they interact within a larger system. - Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and system-level documentation. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams. - Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced startup environment. What We’d Love: - Internship, research, or project experience involving spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, aerospace hardware, or defense systems. - Exposure to spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT). - Familiarity with systems engineering tools such as Cameo, SysML, Jama, DOORS, or similar platforms. - Basic understanding of requirements development, interface control documents (ICDs), and requirements traceability. - Exposure to verification and validation methods, test procedures, or hardware troubleshooting. - Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or other engineering analysis tools. - Participation in university aerospace organizations, CubeSat programs, rocketry teams, robotics competitions, or engineering design projects. Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. So, if your background doesn’t fully meet these qualifications, we still want your application. Where You’ll Be:  - The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~10% of the year).  What We Offer: - Equity-Based Compensation - 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match - Highly Competitive PTO - Paid company holidays + winter break - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance - Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities 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 $80,000—$115,000 USD