Machine Design Engineer at Space Kinetic Corp.

El Segundo, CaliforniaFull-timeEngineeringPosted 5 months ago

About the Role

<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">A New Paradigm For Space Operations.</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559737":-360,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <div><strong><span data-contrast="none">Who We Are:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559737":-360,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </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, 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.</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 class="isSelectedEnd">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.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Job Responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li data-section-id="1gknm4a" data-start="694" data-end="806">Refine prototype CAD models, precision mechanisms, tolerance analyses, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.</li> <li data-section-id="1fxo310" data-start="807" data-end="932">Design and integrate rotary mechanisms, bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, and related mechanical components.</li> <li data-section-id="o3mhl4" data-start="933" data-end="1052">Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing teams, and vendors to source components and ensure designs are producible.</li> <li data-section-id="1xfssix" data-start="1053" data-end="1200">Redesign prototype hardware to achieve a targeted 30% weight reduction while improving stiffness, structural performance, and vibration response.</li> <li data-section-id="1yagu0u" data-start="1201" data-end="1320">Apply GD&T and Design for Manufacturing principles, including tolerancing for plating and other production processes.</li> <li data-section-id="lravod" data-start="1321" data-end="1476">Adapt hardware and design test structures for air-bearing, zero-gravity flight, and thermal-vacuum testing across multiple orientations and environments.</li> <li data-section-id="1mw6ls2" data-start="1477" data-end="1626">Analyze test data, root-cause mechanical failures, and implement design improvements that move each prototype iteration closer to flight readiness.</li> </ul> <div><strong><span data-contrast="none">What It Takes:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div> <ul> <li data-section-id="d5z5xg" data-start="1648" data-end="1737">Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.</li> <li data-section-id="c5nb8i" data-start="1738" data-end="1835">3–5 years of relevant mechanical design, mechanism design, or aerospace engineering experience.</li> <li data-section-id="1raj2yu" data-start="1836" data-end="1962">Demonstrated experience designing precision mechanisms or complex mechanical assemblies—not solely CAD modeling or drafting.</li> <li data-section-id="p2qjfp" data-start="1963" data-end="2066">Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and detailed manufacturing drawings.</li> <li data-section-id="186p6us" data-start="2067" data-end="2193">Experience designing rotary components and selecting bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, or related components.</li> <li data-section-id="zsebnk" data-start="2194" data-end="2297">Experience with vibration, structural design, test-fixture development, and Design for Manufacturing.</li> <li data-section-id="9vo74w" data-start="2298" data-end="2424">Hands-on experience conducting tests in a laboratory or R&D environment, analyzing results, and implementing design changes.</li> <li data-section-id="fkyjof" data-start="2425" data-end="2527">Ability to work with limited direction and obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.</li> </ul> <div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span><strong><span data-contrast="none">What We’d Love:</span></strong></div> <div> <ul> <li data-section-id="1eyyuh7" data-start="2550" data-end="2615">Experience selecting and designing with space-grade components.</li> <li data-section-id="53utpe" data-start="2616" data-end="2697">Experience designing mechanisms for testing or operation in space environments.</li> <li data-section-id="12zovi4" data-start="2698" data-end="2759">Experience developing spacecraft or launch-vehicle systems.</li> <li data-section-id="ob6uyc" data-start="2760" data-end="2850">Experience taking mechanism designs from CAD through fabrication, assembly, and testing.</li> </ul> </div> <div><strong><span data-contrast="none">Where You’ll Be:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div> <ul> <li data-leveltext="●" data-font="Noto Sans Symbols" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Noto Sans Symbols","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"●","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> <div><span data-contrast="none">The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div> </li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">What We Offer: </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p></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 </li> <li>Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance</li> <li>Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities</li> </ul> <p></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">ITAR Requirements: </span></strong> <br><span data-contrast="none">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 </span><a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987"><span data-contrast="none">here</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":280,"335559739":280,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Equal Employment Opportunity:</span></strong> <br><span data-contrast="none">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="none">or any other legally protected status.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":280,"335559739":280,"335559740":240}"> </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.  </span></p></div><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$100,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$140,000 USD</span></div></div></div>

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