Chief Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Architecture & Mission

Space Kinetic Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

401(k) retirement plan

PTO

Paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Space Kinetic Corp. seeks a Chief Engineer to lead complex space programs from concept to operations, driving technical excellence across system design and production. This leader will manage mission planning, requirements, and technical oversight in a fast-paced startup environment.

The role requires at least two spacecraft through mission operations, a bachelor's in a related field, and the ability to obtain security clearance. Onsite at our El Segundo, CA headquarters with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in aerospace/related field required or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years leading satellite system development, integration and ops.
• Experience taking at least two spacecraft from concept to mission operations.
• Experience moving space hardware from concept to TRL-9.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for Space Kinetic system and design decisions.
• Provide mission planning, requirements definition, and technical oversight.
• Own system requirements, flow-down and verification/validation.
• Ensure GNC, power, communications, structures, thermal, avionics, software, payload integrate correctly.
• Balance system performance, SWaP-C, and risk.
• Approve design maturity at PDR/CDR/TRR readiness.
• Ensure the system meets pointing, data throughput, lifetime and survivability.
• Oversee environmental qualification including vibration, TVAC, EMI and radiation.

Skills

Leadership

Spacecraft systems

Mission planning

System architecture

Requirements definition

Technical oversight

GNC/power/comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

Space Kinetic Corp. seeks a Chief Engineer to lead complex space programs from concept to operations, driving technical excellence across system design and production. This leader will manage mission planning, requirements, and technical oversight in a fast-paced startup environment.

The role requires at least two spacecraft through mission operations, a bachelor's in a related field, and the ability to obtain security clearance. Onsite at our El Segundo, CA headquarters with travel as needed.