# Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Space Kinetic > United States · Senior · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Aspacekinetic%3A5147565008 (read 2026-11-07). ## Facts (observed) - Company: [Space Kinetic](https://alderhq.app/companies/space-kinetic) - Location text: El Segundo, California; El Segundo, CA - Where it can be done from (inferred): United States (evidence: "Location: El Segundo, California; El Segundo, CA") - Posted: 2026-03-09 (243 days ago) - First seen by alder: 2026-11-02 · last verified: 2026-11-04 - Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times - Apply on the employer's site: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/spacekinetic/jobs/5147565008 ## Pay and sponsorship - Posted pay: $120k–$160k per year (from the listing's pay field) - Market band for similar posted roles (Los Angeles, n 505): p25 $155k, median $167k, p75 $185k ## Description (the employer's text) 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 The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop mechanisms and moving assemblies for Space Kinetic’s core technology, supporting our goal of a flight demonstration within the next two years. This role will guide prototype builds and work across simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering. ### Job Responsibilities - Design space-rated mechanisms, including release systems, actuators, gear trains, linkages, payload-pointing systems, and precision motion assemblies. - Perform kinematic studies, torque and friction calculations, tolerance analysis, and material and component selection. - Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and simplified models for simulation and FEA. - Design, build, and test prototypes to validate functionality and performance. - Investigate test anomalies and implement corrective design changes. - Support TVAC, vibration, shock, deployment testing, and spacecraft assembly and integration. - Apply DFM and DFA principles to improve producibility, cost, and schedule. - Maintain design documentation and present at SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR reviews. What It Takes: - Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. - 5+ years of mechanical design experience focused on mechanisms. - Strong knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, gears, cams, linkages, springs, bearings, and power transmission. - Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar 3D CAD software. - Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, prototype development, and testing. - Ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate across engineering teams. - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. What We’d Love: - Experience designing deployable space mechanisms or high-reliability aerospace hardware. - Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings. - Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration. - Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards. - Hands-on experience building prototypes and troubleshooting mechanisms. - Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs. 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 - 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 --- Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Aspacekinetic%3A5147565008 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.