# Senior Machine Design Engineer at Space Kinetic

> United States · Senior · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Aspacekinetic%3A5389300008 (read 2026-11-15).

## 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: 2026-08-13 (93 days ago)
- First seen by alder: 2026-11-02 · last verified: 2026-11-13
- Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times
- Apply on the employer's site: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/spacekinetic/jobs/5389300008
- Skills listed (inferred): Python

## Pay and sponsorship

- Posted pay: $120k–$160k per year (from the listing's pay field)
- Market band for similar posted roles (Los Angeles, n 561): p25 $155k, median $165k, 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:

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.

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Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Aspacekinetic%3A5389300008 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.