Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Space Kinetic Corp.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the space industry is seeking a Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to drive the analysis and validation of innovative electromechanical deployment systems. This role involves leading a mechanical team, conducting detailed simulations, and ensuring designs meet rigorous standards for aerospace applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in structural mechanics and a strong background in aerospace engineering. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing national security and the emerging space economy.

Benefits

Equity-Based Compensation

Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

Performance-Based Bonus

Health and Wellness Stipend

Commuter Benefits

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of relevant experience in aerospace/mechanical engineering.
• Experience in spacecraft structural test campaign design and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis, design, and validation of electromechanical deployment systems.
• Resolve design issues through structural analyses of spacecraft and payloads.
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Skills

Creativity

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Tools

Ansys

Job description

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Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You'll Do: Based out of Space Kinetic's headquarters in Torrance, CA, the Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the analysis, design, and validation of our core electromechanical deployment system. You will take a prototype and make it flight ready, defining loads and environments, performing detailed simulations, guiding design, and validating through tests. You will lead the mechanical team and coordinate with technical experts to address concerns.

Responsibilities:

• Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural analyses of spacecraft and payloads, including the core bus structure, joints, appendages, optical systems, booms, and deployables.
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in design, evaluation, and testing of space structures, including expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design, fracture, fatigue, damage tolerance, and advanced finite element analysis methods.
• Communicate with inter-organizational personnel and leadership to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues.
• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including sensor selection, data acquisition, validation, and environmental determination.
• Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of vehicle structures, including finite element model verification, material selection, trade-off studies, and mass optimization.
• Conduct structural and dynamic simulations such as static, modal, vibration, buckling, and thermoelastic analyses.
• Collaborate closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate structural margins.
• Define test requirements and support testing of vehicle subsystems and components.
• Lead technical projects within analysis and across disciplines and teams.
• Help implement new theories and tools, establishing best practices in technical areas.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• 10 to 15 years of relevant experience (or 9 years with an M.S., 7 with a PhD) in aerospace/mechanical engineering.
• Experience or coursework in structural mechanics, composite materials, nonlinear materials, finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue.
• Experience in spacecraft structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation.
• Ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams.
• Experience correlating finite element predictions with test results.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently, analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail, calmness under pressure, motivation, receptiveness to criticism, and effective written communication.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. export regulations.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

What We'd Love:

• Experience analyzing additive manufactured parts (3D printing).
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).
• Experience in structural analysis of composites, laminate design, joint design, material characterization, environmental effects.
• Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, adhesive joints.
• Ability to translate physics of structures into analysis and assessments.
• Proficiency with Ansys or other finite element tools.
• We welcome driven candidates even if their background doesn't match every qualification.

Where You'll Be:

• Onsite at our headquarters in Torrance, CA. Domestic travel up to ~20% may be required.

What We Offer:

• Equity-Based Compensation
• Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Performance-Based Bonus
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements: To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, and able to obtain necessary authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Space Kinetic is an equal opportunity employer, providing employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected status.

The annual salary range for this role is $150,000–$188,000 USD, determined by role, experience, and other factors.