Machine Design Engineer

About the role

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You'll Do

The Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic's core technology as we work toward a flight demonstration within the next two years. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, machinists, test teams, and external vendors to move hardware from early prototypes toward a flight-ready design. This role requires strong mechanical design fundamentals, hands-on problem-solving, and the ability to use test results to drive continuous design improvements.

Job Responsibilities

• Refine prototype CAD models, precision mechanisms, tolerance analyses, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Design and integrate rotary mechanisms, bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, and related mechanical components.
• Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing teams, and vendors to source components and ensure designs are producible.
• Redesign prototype hardware to achieve a targeted 30% weight reduction while improving stiffness, structural performance, and vibration response.
• Apply GD&T and Design for Manufacturing principles, including tolerancing for plating and other production processes.
• Adapt hardware and design test structures for air-bearing, zero-gravity flight, and thermal-vacuum testing across multiple orientations and environments.
• Analyze test data, root-cause mechanical failures, and implement design improvements that move each prototype iteration closer to flight readiness.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant mechanical design, mechanism design, or aerospace engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing precision mechanisms or complex mechanical assemblies-not solely CAD modeling or drafting.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Experience designing rotary components and selecting bearings, motors, gearboxes, springs, fasteners, or related components.
• Experience with vibration, structural design, test-fixture development, and Design for Manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience conducting tests in a laboratory or R&D environment, analyzing results, and implementing design changes.
• Ability to work with limited direction and obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

What We'd Love

• Experience selecting and designing with space-grade components.
• Experience designing mechanisms for testing or operation in space environments.
• Experience developing spacecraft or launch-vehicle systems.
• Experience taking mechanism designs from CAD through fabrication, assembly, and testing.

Where You'll Be

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

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