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Lead Payload Electrical Engineer

Space Kinetic Corp.
El Segundo, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/29/2026
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

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:

This position will work on-site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. The Lead Payload Electrical Engineer will be required to work in a fast-paced prototyping environment with an aggressive schedule toward flight and should have experience and a general understanding of spaceflight payloads and the effects of the space environment with a technical emphasis on:

  • Motors and their applications
  • Power electronics
  • Electromechanical actuators
  • Control systems

This is a hands-on environment where you will be expected to be flexible in duties to make a team successful in re-engineering a prototype for the space environment.

  • Provide detailed design expertise and perform detailed design as necessary on space system actuators, power systems and their control.
  • Experience with power management and buses.
  • Perform buy versus build analyses and help management understand risk, cost and schedule implications.
  • Develop operational knowledge of all parts of the payload.
  • Coordinate the activities of other electrical engineering disciplines to meet the payload objectives.
  • Coordinate with software engineers to develop a mutual understanding of required software functionality.

What It Takes:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 5 or more years related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education.
  • Familiarity with aerospace-grade electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical (EEE) hardware
  • Demonstrated behaviors of a systems thinker; selects and applies appropriate systems thinking skills to solve very complex problems and implement constructive changes.
  • Preference given to candidates familiar with payloads interface hardware that has direct heritage to past, current, or future spaceflight missions.
  • Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Where You’ll Be:

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer:

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

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: $150,000 USD - $190,000 USD

Salary : $150,000 - $190,000

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