SETA Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

Space Kinetic Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Kinetic Corp. in El Segundo, CA is seeking a SETA Engineering intern to support mechanical and aerospace research, analysis, and mission concepts across multidisciplinary teams.

You will develop trade studies, perform data-driven analyses, and help prepare technical summaries and presentations while paired with a mentor for a three‑month, onsite program that could lead to long-term opportunities.

Strong math, physics, and coding basics are required; exposure to MATLAB and Python is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level education in mechanical/aerospace engineering or physics.
• Strong background in physics and mathematics.
• Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities
• Perform analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers communicating findings
• Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials
• Support engineering coordination across technical teams
• Assist with analysis of engineering data and design approaches
• Participate in technical discussions and reviews
• Support rapid research tasks in a startup environment
• Develop trade studies and first-principles assessments for new missions and applications

Skills

Mechanical engineering fundamentals

Aerospace engineering

Physics background

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

GMAT

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.

Our Development Program

This is a full-time, onsite program requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week 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 SETA Engineering team member to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics‑related projects. This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

• Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities


• Perform highly analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, methodologies, and technical recommendations.


• Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials


• Support engineering coordination and follow‑up across technical teams


• Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches


• Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews


• Support rapid research tasks and problem‑solving activities in a startup environment


• Support research into new mission and commercial applications by developing trade studies, pros and cons analyses, first-principles assessments, and early‑stage simulations and models.

What It Takes

• A Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.


• Strong background in physics and mathematics


• Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, simulation, and data processing.

What We’d Love

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.


• Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations


• Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications


• Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus

Where You’ll Be

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

Compensation

Compensation: $27.00/hr.

The hourly 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: $27 USD - $27 USD

ITAR Requirements

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., (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C., or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

• 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: $27 USD - $27 USD