Chief Systems Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You’ll Do:
The Chief Systems Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary systems engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The individual in this role is responsible for leading the Systems Engineering & Integration Team (SEIT), overseeing development of system requirements, architecture, and design of the Longbow payload system. The successful candidate will lead the Systems Engineering organizations and ensure the systems engineering team meets its objectives.  The Chief Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company’s goals and objectives.

Responsibilities include establishing and implementing system engineering goals, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of collaboration within the functional engineering teams. The Chief Engineer will also be responsible to oversee day-to-day operation of the team, develop the systems engineering processes, lead engineering review boards, establish the configuration management practices, manage risks, space hardware verification & validation.

The position demands a strong focus on technological innovation, requiring the Chief Engineer to stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies leading the product from concept to development, space hardware validation/verification, qualification, and ultimately, successfully executing the payload mission objectives in support of our customer mission operations.

This role is pivotal in shaping the future of Space Kinetic as it embarks on an ambitious project aimed at advancing our revolutionary platform for dynamic space operations.

 Responsibilities

• Built and Lead a World Class Team: attract, recruit, and retain top-tier space systems engineers to develop cutting edge space vehicle payload technology. Promote professional growth.
• Drive Full Development Cycle: Spearhead mission system requirements definition driving prototype-to-design, through integration, testing, and deployment of the Longbow space technology ensuring successful prototype technology development through TRL 9 and space deployment of Longbow Payload.
• Drive the definition, development, and allocation of requirements in support of design and producibility improvements. Ensure the seamless integration of payload design improvements on the path to flight.
• Establish and Lead a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to align with customer expectations and philosophy.
• Partnerships: identify and establish relationships with Space Systems Engineering Centers of Excellence to promote Space Kinetic systems and products.
• Execute System Development and Integration: Lead the system design trades, system integration and mission operations for full-scale space hardware deployments.
• Act as the technical authority to technical readiness reviews, engineering change orders, and related data package revisions, root-cause and corrective actions (RCCA), and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as the technical authority to government and customer stakeholders by preparing and briefing status of development and production, risks, payload roadmaps during customer meetings.
• Coordinate Space Mission objectives Across Stakeholders: work across Space Kinetic teams, external partners, and government stakeholders to align mission operations goals and execution timelines.
• Foster Data-Driven, Results-Oriented Culture: implement rigorous integration & test methodologies and performance validation framework through operational feedback streamlining a continuous improvement process.
• Champion Cross-Functional Collaboration: establish intra-team communication processes, lead the configuration control board, system requirements, software configuration, payload review boards and mission operations to accelerate Longbow development, qualification, and deployment.

 What It Takes:

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation.
• 10+ years of professional experience developing complex space mechanisms, payloads with electromechanical subsystems and bringing these successfully from low TRL level to a pre-production level is a plus.
• 10+ years of space systems experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life cycle development of space hardware products (not small incremental updates to legacy hardware).
• 10+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging
• Proven track record of leading space systems products, with strong leadership and people management skills.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering, including experience developing space systems requirements, leading configuration control boards and familiar with Model Based Systems Engineering process.
• Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive innovation and lead change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with senior leadership and other stakeholders.
• Experience in managing large-scale engineering projects, including project planning, execution, and delivery.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top-Secret clearance

What We’d Love:

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in aerospace or space technology sectors, particularly with complex and high-precision engineering environments.
• Prior experience leading complex space component or assembly from initial design through production ramp as a lead systems engineer.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start­up atmosphere
• Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry

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
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

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.