About this Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role at Space Kinetic
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
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 Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will provide guidance for design and prototype builds for the Space Kinetic core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. Design and develop system and subsystem assemblies, mechanisms and moving assemblies including linkages, gears, cams, actuators, and precision motion systems. Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies to ensure reliable operation. Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA or NX. Support the mechanical simulations and FEA teams creating step files, simplified reps and volumes to assist with the modeling to validate strength, fatigue, and functional performance. Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms to validate functionality and operational stability. Work with and support cross-functional teams including simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering. Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to drive down cost and schedule. Prepare technical documentation, test plans, and support design reviews.
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanism Development
- Design and develop space-rated mechanisms, including:
- Release and separation systems
- Motorized actuators and gear trains
- Payload pointing mechanisms
- Precision robotic or kinematic mechanisms
- Mechanism torque and friction calculations
- Select appropriate space-qualified materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings.
- Support finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanism performance simulations.
Prototyping & Testing
- Support development of hardware design and builds as well as prototype testing.
- Investigate functional test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.
- Lead mechanical support for environmental testing, including:
- Thermal Vacuum (TVAC)
- Random vibration
- Shock testing
- Deployment testing
Manufacturing & Integration
- Work closely with manufacturing and producibility teams to ensure designs are producible and testable.
- Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) of spacecraft hardware.
- Provide hands-on support during payload integration and spacecraft assembly.
Documentation & Reviews
- Follow design and hardware I&T processes
- Generate and maintain engineering documentation, including:
- Mechanical design packages
- Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
- Assembly procedures
- Test plans and reports
- Present designs during major program reviews:
- SRR (System Requirements Review)
- PDR (Preliminary Design Review)
- CDR (Critical Design Review)
- TRR (Test Readiness Review)
What It Takes:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience with focus on mechanisms.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms
- Gear systems, cams, linkages, springs
- Bearings and power transmission components
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX).
- Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
- Familiarity with prototype development and testing
- 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 Government Security Clearance.
What We’d Love:
- Experience designing deployable space mechanisms.
- Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, and bearings.
- Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.
- Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.
- Hands-on experience in prototype builds and mechanism troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of mechanism kinematics and dynamics
- Experience designing high-reliability aerospace hardware
- Ability to work in cross-disciplinary engineering teams
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills
- Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs
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:
- Competitive Base Salary + 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. 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 currently $109,000 - $150,000. 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.
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.
