Astrodynamics Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)
Summary
Develop astrodynamics models and flight software for a dual-use space-tech startup, simulating orbital trajectories and optimizing satellite architectures in a fast-paced, onsite 3-month program with potential full-time hire.
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
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 an Astrodynamics team member, you will support the modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts of our Mission Engineering team. These will support development of our flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment, as well as other potential missions. You will also work with Space Kinetic engineering teams as necessary to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. The role will require work into orbit/trajectory analysis, parametric studies, development of optimization algorithms, and embedded flight software development.
What It Takes:
- A Graduate of a Bachelors or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university
- Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust
- Experience with Ansys STK
- Understanding of Orbital Dynamics
- 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 career coaching and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.
- Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.
What We’d Love:
- Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
- Knowledge of Dynamics and Kinematics
- Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU)
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.
