Software Developer - Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization

About the role

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You'll Do

As a Software Developer - Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization will develop software solutions and automation tools that improve manufacturing efficiency, streamline production workflows, and reduce manual processes across Space Kinetic's manufacturing operations.

This position will work closely with manufacturing personnel, mechanical engineers, and technical leadership to identify operational inefficiencies and develop software applications that connect manufacturing processes, equipment, production data, and engineering workflows. The ideal candidate has experience developing software for manufacturing environments, building automation solutions, integrating systems, and improving operational processes through technology.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications supporting manufacturing operations and production workflows.
• Build automation tools that reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop software integrations between manufacturing equipment, internal applications, databases, and production systems.
• Create APIs, data pipelines, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve production visibility and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to identify workflow inefficiencies and translate operational needs into technical solutions.
• Develop systems for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing manufacturing and equipment data.
• Support integration with CNC equipment, PLCs, sensors, test systems, and other industrial hardware where applicable.
• Troubleshoot software, connectivity, data, and system integration issues across manufacturing environments.
• Establish maintainable code, documentation, testing practices, and deployment processes.
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend practical automation solutions.
• Independently manage development projects from requirements gathering and technical design through deployment and ongoing support.
• Help establish scalable software infrastructure as manufacturing operations and hardware programs grow.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional software development automation experience.
• Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, equipment requirements, test results, process instructions, and engineering reports.
• Develop training materials and provide training on automation equipment, processes, and technologies.
• Support standardization of automation practices, equipment requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages commonly used for application development and automation, such as Python, C++, C#, or JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Experience developing software applications, APIs, integrations, or automation tools.
• Experience working with relational databases, data structures, and data processing workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across software and system integration challenges.
• Ability to work directly with non-software engineering teams to understand operational requirements and deliver practical technical solutions.
• Strong documentation, communication, and project ownership skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

What We'd Love

• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with CNC machine tools, PLCs, industrial sensors, robotics, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, or MQTT.
• Experience integrating software with physical equipment, test systems, or production hardware.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, production data, and process control.
• Experience with cloud platforms, containerization, CI/CD, and scalable software infrastructure.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows or automated inspection and metrology systems.
• Experience mentoring developers or establishing software development standards.

Additional information

Our vision is unique, and so is the team we're building. So, if your background doesn't fully meet these qualifications, we still want your application.

Where You'll Be

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to approximately 10% 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, 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.