Senior Spacecraft Structural Engineer

Overview

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.

In this senior role as the Senior Spacecraft Structural Engineer, you will take full ownership of spacecraft structural modeling efforts—from model intake and build‑out to test correlation and flight readiness. You will serve as the technical authority on structural analysis, guiding junior engineers, coordinating cross‑functional efforts, and informing executive decisions with high‑confidence structural data.

This is a full‑time position based in El Segundo working in a fast‑paced start‑up environment.

• Lead the development and execution of structural analysis efforts across multiple departments.
• Define structural architecture, margin strategies, and modeling standards to ensure mission and schedule success.
• Mentor and guide Mechanical Engineers on modeling best practices and analysis fundamentals.
• Review and approve structural analysis plans, documentation, and correlation reports.
• Perform high‑fidelity static, modal, dynamic response, acoustic, shock, and thermal‑structural coupled analyses.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or equivalent aerospace hardware. Demonstrated technical leadership experience across multiple programs or large‑scale structural subsystems.
• Fundamental communication & interpersonal skills: collaboration, resiliency, problem‑solving, emotional intelligence, judgment, and decision‑making, across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and/or cooperatively with a team to deliver innovative solutions and resolve issues.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

• Familiarity with scripting in Python or MATLAB for automation of FEM workflows and post‑processing.
• Hands‑on experience supporting vibration, acoustic, or shock testing, including fixture design and instrumentation planning.

• The position is onsite in El Segundo, CA.

• Highly competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• Health and Wellness Stipend.

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Protected Individual as defined by law), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.

$140,000 – $200,000 USD