Senior Manufacturing 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:

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in transitioning Space Kinetic from prototype development to scalable production. You will develop manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency, implement automation, and help build the manufacturing infrastructure needed to support future production. Working closely with Engineering, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Operations, you will help ensure our products are designed for manufacturability while continuously improving quality, efficiency, and throughput. This is an opportunity to build manufacturing systems from the ground up inside one of the most exciting aerospace startups in the industry.

Job Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Process Development

Develop manufacturing processes that support prototype builds and future production

Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements with engineering teams

Create standardized work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and production procedures

Develop manufacturing plans for new products and engineering releases

Production Scale-Up

Evaluate current designs and manufacturing methods to prepare for higher-rate production

Develop manufacturing strategies that improve quality, repeatability, and throughput

Identify opportunities for automation and advanced manufacturing technologies

Support production readiness for future manufacturing expansion

Automation & Continuous Improvement

Help implement automation across machining and manufacturing operations

Improve factory layout, workflow, and production efficiency

Develop Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Eliminate bottlenecks and improve manufacturing productivity

Manufacturing Operations Support

Partner with engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product designs

Troubleshoot production challenges and support root cause investigations

Support machining, assembly, testing, and integration activities

Work closely with Supply Chain to improve manufacturability and material flow

Factory Development

Help establish manufacturing processes, organization, and best practices as the company scales

Recommend tooling, fixtures, equipment, and capital improvements

Support long-term planning for production growth and manufacturing capacity

What It Takes:

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience

Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance manufacturing environments

Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and production processes

Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI)

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

Experience with ERP/MRP systems

Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment

U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident

What We'd Love:

Aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing experience

Experience transitioning products from prototype to production

Experience implementing automation in manufacturing environments

CNC machining and fixture design experience

Knowledge of AS9100 manufacturing environments

Experience developing manufacturing work cells and production lines

Experience with robotics or automated manufacturing systems

Passion for building manufacturing organizations from the ground up

Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where wearing multiple hats is expected

Where You’ll Be:

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required, approximately 25% to 40% of the year.

What We Offer:

Equity-Based Compensation

401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match

Highly Competitive PTO

Paid company holidays + winter break

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

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

$125,000 — $155,000 USD