Flight Software Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

Space Kinetic Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Kinetic Corp. in El Segundo, CA is seeking graduates and early-career engineers to contribute to flight software development, integration, and testing for our dual-use space systems.

You will collaborate with software, hardware, and systems teams to advance a new space-architecture program. The role emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and progression toward greater responsibility as you gain experience across engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in a technical discipline relevant to software engineering.
• Strong programming fundamentals in OOP languages (C++, C#, Java).
• Experience with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, integration, and testing of Space Kinetic’s flight software.
• Collaborate across software, electrical, mechanical, and controls teams as experience grows.
• Take increasing responsibility for software development, hardware integration, and system problem solving.

Skills

C++

C#

Java

OOP programming

Multithreading

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Master's degree or related field (advantage)

Tools

Git

Linux

Job description

Who We Are:

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, attritable, 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.

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, attritable, 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.

Our Development Program:

This is a full‑time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California.

Our Development Program is a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates who are eager to solve cutting edge technical problems and contribute to high consequence dual use space missions. Interns become part of our core technical, operations, and business teams, work on mission‑critical projects, and are evaluated for long‑term career opportunities based on performance, initiative, collaboration, and ownership. Outstanding interns may receive a full‑time employment offer before or upon completion of the program. Qualified participants relocating for the program may be eligible for a housing stipend, and applications are accepted year‑round based on hiring needs.

Over the three‑month program you are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

What You’ll Do:

As a Flight Software Engineer team member, you will support the development, integration, and testing of software used in Space Kinetic’s flight systems. This role is intended for graduating seniors and recent graduates with strong engineering fundamentals who are interested in developing into capable Flight Software Engineers through hands‑on experience and mentorship. You will work with experienced engineers across software, electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems disciplines. As your experience grows, you will take on increasing responsibility for software development, hardware integration, testing and system level problem solving.

What It Takes:

• Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• Passion for solving real‑world engineering programs in software
• Strong programming fundamentals in OOP Languages such as C++, C#, or Java
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, self‑driven entrepreneurial workplace
• Experience with Version Control (Git) and collaborative development workflows
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail‑oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow‑through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.

What We’d Love:

• Passion for Systems Programming or Lower‑Level Programming (C/C++, RTOS, bare‑metal)
• Experience in developing multi‑threaded applications, working with microcontrollers, embedded processors, development boards, or Linux‑based systems
• CI/CD, build tools, and DevOps practices
• Scripting in Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Curiosity for testing in‑space operation

Where You’ll Be:

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Compensation:

This position is paid hourly based on the candidate’s highest completed degree at the time of hire:

• Bachelor’s degree: $30 per hour
• Master’s degree: $35 per hour
• PhD: $42 per hour

ITAR Requirements:

To confore 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.

Pay Range: $30 USD - $42 USD