Senior Machine Design Engineer

Space Kinetic · El Segundo, California

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • $120,000 – $160,000
  • Posted 2026-08-13
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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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 (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, 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.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a Senior Machine Design Engineer to design, analyze, prototype, and validate complex machines, precision mechanisms, and electromechanical systems. This individual will apply first-principles engineering and practical machine-design experience to develop robust, manufacturable hardware for demanding aerospace environments. The role will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, test, suppliers, and program leadership to deliver flight-ready systems.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop mechanical architectures and concepts for complex machines, precision mechanisms, structures, and assemblies.

• Own hardware from initial requirements and trade studies through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production.

• Perform engineering calculations covering stress, fatigue, deflection, thermal expansion, and tolerance stack-ups.

• Select and integrate bearings, motors, gearboxes, ball screws, linear guides, springs, clutches, fasteners, and related components.

• Create production-ready SolidWorks models, detailed manufacturing drawings, interfaces, and GD&T specifications.

• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles while working with suppliers and manufacturing teams.

• Build and test prototypes, root-cause hardware failures, and implement corrective design actions.

• Support qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum testing.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of professional experience designing complex machines, mechanical systems, or precision mechanisms.

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings.

• Strong knowledge of machine design, mechanical component selection, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.

• Experience using hand calculations and FEA to guide and validate mechanical designs.

• Working knowledge of CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, and related production processes.

• Demonstrated experience taking hardware from concept through prototype, test, qualification, and production.

• Ability to maintain a U.S. Goverment security clearance.

What We’d Love:

• Experience designing aerospace, spacecraft, defense, robotics, industrial automation, or other high-performance electromechanical systems.

• Experience with gear trains, linkages, cams, bearings, belt and chain drives, linear-motion systems, and direct-drive motors.

• Experience designing springs, dampers, or other energy-storage and motion-control mechanisms.

• Experience developing hardware for vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, and other demanding environments.

• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and analysis.

• Experience supporting flight hardware qualification, configuration control, and production.

Where You’ll Be:

•
The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer:

• Equity-Based Compensation

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match

• Highly Competitive PTO

• Paid company holidays + winter break

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

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 Kine

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