Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Space Kinetic
Space Kinetic is hiring a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in El Segundo, CA, US. On-site. Pay: USD 120k-160k/yr.
About Space Kinetic
Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building the Whirlwind platform, an architecture for space operations that deploys micro-payloads from a host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. The platform is designed to enable scalable, low-cost, and maneuverable space missions by decoupling propulsion from payloads.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer job description
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 design and develop mechanisms and moving assemblies for Space Kinetic’s core technology, supporting our goal of a flight demonstration within the next two years. This role will guide prototype builds and work across simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
Job Responsibilities:
- Design space-rated mechanisms, including release systems, actuators, gear trains, linkages, payload-pointing systems, and precision motion assemblies.
- Perform kinematic studies, torque and friction calculations, tolerance analysis, and material and component selection.
- Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and simplified models for simulation and FEA.
- Design, build, and test prototypes to validate functionality and performance.
- Investigate test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.
- Support TVAC, vibration, shock, deployment testing, and spacecraft assembly and integration.
- Apply DFM and DFA principles to improve producibility, cost, and schedule.
- Maintain design documentation and present at SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR reviews.
What It Takes:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience focused on mechanisms.
- Strong knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, gears, cams, linkages, springs, bearings, and power transmission.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar 3D CAD software.
- Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, prototype development, and testing.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate across engineering teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
What We’d Love:
- Experience designing deployable space mechanisms or high-reliability aerospace hardware.
- Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings.
- Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.
- Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.
- Hands-on experience building prototypes and troubleshooting mechanisms.
- 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:
- 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.
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