Machine Design Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You'll Do:

The Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic's core technology as we work toward a flight demonstration within the next two years. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, machinists, test teams, and external vendors to move hardware from early prototypes toward a flight-ready design. This role requires strong mechanical design fundamentals, hands-on problem-solving, and the ability to use test results to drive continuous design improvements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Refine prototype CAD models, precision mechanisms, tolerance analyses, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Design and integrate rotary mechanisms, bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, and related mechanical components.
• Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing teams, and vendors to source components and ensure designs are producible.
• Redesign prototype hardware to achieve a targeted 30% weight reduction while improving stiffness, structural performance, and vibration response.
• Apply GD&T and Design for Manufacturing principles, including tolerancing for plating and other production processes.
• Adapt hardware and design test structures for air-bearing, zero-gravity flight, and thermal-vacuum testing across multiple orientations and environments.
• Analyze test data, root-cause mechanical failures, and implement design improvements that move each prototype iteration closer to flight readiness.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant mechanical design, mechanism design, or aerospace engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing precision mechanisms or complex mechanical assemblies—not solely CAD modeling or drafting.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Experience designing rotary components and selecting bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, or related components.
• Experience with vibration, structural design, test-fixture development, and Design for Manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience conducting tests in a laboratory or R&D environment, analyzing results, and implementing design changes.
• Ability to work with limited direction and obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

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.