Director of Engineering: Deployables (micro-satellites)

About the role

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You'll Do

The Director of Engineering, Deployables will lead the development of ruggedized microsatellites compatible with Space Kinetic's high-velocity Whirlwind deployment system. This role owns the deployable system from concept through flight, including design, fabrication, integration, testing, qualification, and production transition.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead deployable microsatellite development from concept through flight.
• Own system design, analysis, fabrication, integration, testing, and qualification.
• Design hardware capable of surviving Whirlwind's high-G operating environment.
• Lead design reviews and provide direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Produce mechanical designs, drawings, tolerance analyses, and technical documentation.
• Build prototype, development, qualification, and flight hardware.
• Plan and execute functional, deployment, vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, thermal-cycle, and life-cycle testing.
• Resolve hardware failures, manufacturing issues, and supplier component challenges.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex aerospace or high-performance mechanical systems.
• Experience designing precision mechanical assemblies.
• Experience taking hardware from concept through qualification or production.
• Proficiency with Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar 3D CAD software.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and Design for Manufacturing.
• Understanding of structural mechanics, material selection, and mechanical design principles.
• Strong communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to obtain a security clearance.

What We'd Love

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware from prototype through production.
• Experience with environmental qualification testing, including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, acoustic, and deployment testing.
• Familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Hands-on experience with machining, composites, sheet metal, or additive manufacturing.
• Experience supporting government, national security, NASA, or commercial spaceflight programs.

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, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.