Chief Systems Engineer

Company: Space Kinetic
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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: The Chief Systems Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The Chief Systems Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives. Core Responsibilities: 1. Overall Technical Authority Leads the space system's architecture and major design decisions Balances performance, SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost), and risk Signs off on design maturity and readiness at every review 2. Systems Engineering Leadership Ensures all subsystems (GNC, power, comms, propulsion, structures, thermal, avionics, software, payload, etc.) integrate correctly Owns system requirements: flow-down, allocation, verification, validation 3. Mission Performance & Safety Ensures the Space Kinetic system meets mission performance (pointing, power budget, data throughput, lifetime, survivability) Oversees environmental qualification (vibration, shock, TVAC, EMI, radiation considerations) What It Takes: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field 10 years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation. Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance What We'd Love: Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start­up atmosphere Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry 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—$230,000 USD

Keywords: Space Kinetic, Florence-Graham , Chief Systems Engineer, Engineering , El Segundo, California