Mechanical Design Engineer

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.