Test Engineering Development Program (3 months - Path to Hire)

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.

Our Development Program:

This is a full-time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California.

Our Development Program is a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates who are eager to solve cutting edge technical problems and contribute to high consequence dual use space missions. Interns become part of our core technical, operations, and business teams, work on mission-critical projects, and are evaluated for long-term career opportunities based on performance, initiative, collaboration, and ownership. Outstanding interns may receive a full-time employment offer before or upon completion of the program. Qualified participants relocating for the program may be eligible for a housing stipend, and applications are accepted year-round based on hiring needs.

Over the three-month program you are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

What You’ll Do:

As a Test Engineer team member, this position will assist in engineering activities that support design or process improvement for the Division. Be a driving force for continuous improvement of the facility while working with all levels of the organization. Interns will be provided with training and mentorship that will translate to real-world skills and experiences.

You will assist with the design, execute, and maintain both manual and automated tests to ensure high-quality software delivery. You will contribute to test planning, develop detailed test cases, and identify, report, and track defects. Get a deeper understanding of TE processes, you’ll work closely with developers and product teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance testing methodologies, and continuously improve test coverage across applications, maximizing testing efficiency through automation. This role offers growth opportunities to further refine your technical expertise and contribute to complex testing initiatives.

What It Takes:

A Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering Degree in an accredited college or university

Passion for design, manufacturing, and testing of space systems and/or mechanisms.

Must be confident with complex machine setups

Physically able to handle heavy items, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and positioning components. Be able to stand for long periods of time.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.

Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.

What We’d Love:

Curiosity for testing in-space operations

SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling experience.

Passion for the commercial and government space industry.

Passion for spacecraft or launch vehicle system development.

Where You’ll Be:

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Compensation:

This position is paid hourly based on the candidate’s highest completed degree at the time of hire:

Bachelor’s degree: $30 per hour

Master’s degree: $35 per hour

PhD: $42 per hour

• 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

$30 — $42 USD