Infrastructure & Systems Administrator
Space Kinetic
Infrastructure & Systems Administrator
Space Kinetic
Propellant-free in-space payload deployment system
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.
Space Kinetic is seeking a mid-level Infrastructure & Systems Administrator to maintain and scale the infrastructure supporting our engineering, manufacturing, simulation, secure collaboration, and export-controlled programs. You will work across servers, virtualization, networking, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, and engineering systems. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex technical problems and building secure, scalable infrastructure in a fast-moving environment.
Job Responsibilities:
The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required, approximately 25% to 40% of the year.
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.
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.
Pay Range 80000 - 100000 USD
Propellant-free in-space payload deployment system
Space Kinetic develops electromechanical deployment systems for satellites that release multiple small payloads and micro-satellites at high velocities to support missile defense and space superiority. Its Longbow/Whirlwind platform uses a rotary arm inside a host satellite to accelerate and eject payloads without using propellant, delivering instantaneous velocity changes. Unlike propulsion-centered approaches, it offers a reusable, fuel-free, one-to-many deployment model that reduces signatures and enables on-demand, rapid small-satellite missions, with contracts from DARPA, the US Space Force, and the NSF. The goal is to make space maneuverability more affordable and accessible by bringing drone-like in-space deployment economics to national security and commercial space activities.
Explore more opportunities at Space Kinetic