Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Space Kinetic Corp.

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-contrast="none">A New Paradigm For Space Operations.</span></span></strong></p> <div><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Who We Are:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-360,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></div> <div> <p>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,&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;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.</p> <p>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.</p> </div> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">What You’ll Do:</span></strong></p> <p data-start="21" data-end="343">The <strong>Senior Mechanical Design Engineer</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">Job Responsibilities:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li data-section-id="1gprxq5" data-start="372" data-end="524">Design space-rated mechanisms, including release systems, actuators, gear trains, linkages, payload-pointing systems, and precision motion assemblies.</li> <li data-section-id="s64j9p" data-start="525" data-end="645">Perform kinematic studies, torque and friction calculations, tolerance analysis, and material and component selection.</li> <li data-section-id="rxe3wy" data-start="646" data-end="737">Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and simplified models for simulation and FEA.</li> <li data-section-id="1irgaav" data-start="738" data-end="817">Design, build, and test prototypes to validate functionality and performance.</li> <li data-section-id="jb1wf9" data-start="818" data-end="887">Investigate test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.</li> <li data-section-id="eijkku" data-start="888" data-end="982">Support TVAC, vibration, shock, deployment testing, and spacecraft assembly and integration.</li> <li data-section-id="16n3sdd" data-start="983" data-end="1059">Apply DFM and DFA principles to improve producibility, cost, and schedule.</li> <li data-section-id="enol8w" data-start="1060" data-end="1138">Maintain design documentation and present at SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR reviews.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">What It Takes:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-section-id="10nypgr" data-start="1160" data-end="1237">Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.</li> <li data-section-id="4xs13i" data-start="1238" data-end="1303">5+ years of mechanical design experience focused on mechanisms.</li> <li data-section-id="nwagw5" data-start="1304" data-end="1413">Strong knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, gears, cams, linkages, springs, bearings, and power transmission.</li> <li data-section-id="6cfns3" data-start="1414" data-end="1489">Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar 3D CAD software.</li> <li data-section-id="izg9mi" data-start="1490" data-end="1578">Experience with GD&amp;T, tolerance stack-up analysis, prototype development, and testing.</li> <li data-section-id="xvx2gn" data-start="1579" data-end="1669">Ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate across engineering teams.</li> <li data-section-id="1hqygqu" data-start="1670" data-end="1740">Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">What We’d Love:</span></strong> <span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-section-id="synfm2" data-start="1763" data-end="1853">Experience designing deployable space mechanisms or high-reliability aerospace hardware.</li> <li data-section-id="ts5t7" data-start="1854" data-end="1927">Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings.</li> <li data-section-id="10uqke9" data-start="1928" data-end="1992">Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.</li> <li data-section-id="9gurbb" data-start="1993" data-end="2057">Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.</li> <li data-section-id="1ku267o" data-start="2058" data-end="2131">Hands-on experience building prototypes and troubleshooting mechanisms.</li> <li data-section-id="1m00t3c" data-start="2132" data-end="2200" data-is-last-node="">Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Where You’ll Be:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo CA . Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What We Offer:&nbsp;</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li>Equity-Based Compensation</li> <li>401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match</li> <li>Highly Competitive PTO</li> <li>Paid company holidays + winter break&nbsp;</li> <li>Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance</li> <li>Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">ITAR Requirements: </span></strong>&nbsp;<br><span data-contrast="auto">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&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&amp;sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987"><span data-contrast="auto">here</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:280,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Equal Employment Opportunity:</span></strong>&nbsp;<br><span data-contrast="auto">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</span> <span data-contrast="auto">or any other legally protected status.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:280,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">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. &nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$120,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$160,000 USD</span></div></div></div>