Senior Real-Time/Controls Software 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, attritable, 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:

We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.

Job Responsibilities:

Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems

Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture

Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software

Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms

Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities

Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test

Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware

Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems

Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns

Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions

What It Takes:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field

5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development

Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior

Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops

Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software

Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python

Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems

Experince working with space systems

What We’d Love:

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.

Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background

Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing

Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows

Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems

Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols

Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred

Real-time embedded systems

Control loop implementation

Motor controllers and actuator interfaces

Sensor integration and signal processing

Simulation and modeling workflows

System debugging and integration testing

Cross-functional engineering collaboration

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

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

$170,000 — $240,000 USD