Tool Crib & Inventory Coordinator

Socket.dev; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-based compensation

PTO and holidays

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking a detail-oriented Tool Crib Specialist to manage tooling inventories at our El Segundo, CA headquarters. You will receive, track, and issue tools, coordinate calibration and regrind needs, and work with machinists and engineers to ensure tool availability for production.

The role requires 2+ years in a tool crib or related setting, familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, and AS9100 practices. Onsite work with occasional overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a tool crib, tool room, inventory, warehouse, or CNC machining support role.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, store, issue, and track tools, gauges, fixtures, and consumables.
• Maintain accurate inventory records through cycle counts, usage logs, and system updates.
• Assemble and stage tool kits based on upcoming machining and production needs.
• Inspect returned tooling and coordinate regrinding, repair, replacement, or disposal.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate purchasing and replenishment to prevent shortages.
• Track vendor orders, deliveries, returns, and tooling lead times.
• Coordinate calibration schedules and maintain certification records with the Quality team.
• Partner with machinists and engineers to identify and source required tooling.
• Maintain an organized tool crib using 5S, safety, and AS9100 practices.
• Improve inventory accuracy, tool availability, tool life, and cost efficiency.

Skills

Tool crib operations

Inventory control

ERP software

MRP systems

CNC support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AS9100 knowledge

Job description

A New Paradigm for Space Operations.

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 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 has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus, and unlock a one-to-many system in which each satellite carries numerous payloads that 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Receive, inspect, store, issue, and track tools, gauges, fixtures, and consumables.
• Maintain accurate inventory records through cycle counts, usage logs, and system updates.
• Assemble and stage tool kits based on upcoming machining and production needs.
• Inspect returned tooling and coordinate regrinding, repair, replacement, or disposal.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate purchasing and replenishment to prevent shortages.
• Track vendor orders, deliveries, returns, and tooling lead times.
• Coordinate calibration schedules and maintain certification records with the Quality team.
• Partner with machinists and engineers to identify and source required tooling.
• Maintain an organized tool crib using 5S, safety, and AS9100 practices.
• Improve inventory accuracy, tool availability, tool life, and cost efficiency.

What It Takes:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in a tool crib, tool room, inventory, warehouse, or CNC machining support role.
• Familiarity with cutting tools, gauges, fixtures, workholding, and machine-tool components.
• Experience using ERP, MRP, or inventory-management systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and recordkeeping skills.

What We’d Love:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision machining.
• Knowledge of cutting-tool materials, coatings, applications, and lifespan.
• Experience coordinating tooling purchases and working with vendors.
• Familiarity with calibration tracking, AS9100, lean manufacturing, and 5S.
• Technical training in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field.
• Forklift or material-handling experience.

Physical & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Frequent bending, reaching, and handling of tools and materials.
• Overtime or weekend work may be required based on production needs.

Where You’ll Be:

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

What We Offer:

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

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. § 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

$24—$30 USD