Director of Engineering: Deployable Micro-Satellites Equity

Space Kinetic; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity‑Based Compensation

Competitive PTO

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking a Director of Engineering: Deployables to lead the development of ruggedized deployable micro‑satellites for the Whirlwind platform. You will own the end‑to‑end deployables system—from concept through flight—and collaborate with systems, structures, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires CAD expertise, strong analysis skills, and the ability to guide production, qualification, and life‑cycle testing in a fast‑paced startup environment at our El Segundo, CA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 8+ years in complex aerospace or high‑performance mechanical systems.
• Experience taking hardware from concept through qualification or production.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Strong GD&T, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and DFM knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of Whirlwind‑compatible deployable micro‑satellites from concept through flight.
• Lead technical design reviews and provide guidance across multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor engineers and establish technical direction for deployable systems.
• Plan and execute functional, deployment, vibration, shock, and thermal testing.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

3D CAD

GD&T

DFM

Leadership

Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Creo

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Space Kinetic is seeking a Director of Engineering: Deployables to lead the development of ruggedized deployable micro‑satellites for the Whirlwind platform. You will own the end‑to‑end deployables system—from concept through flight—and collaborate with systems, structures, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires CAD expertise, strong analysis skills, and the ability to guide production, qualification, and life‑cycle testing in a fast‑paced startup environment at our El Segundo, CA