IT Development Program
Space Kinetic
IT Development Program
Space Kinetic
Propellant-free in-space payload deployment system
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
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, attritable, 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.
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 IT team member, you will support the day-to-day operation and growth of Space Kinetic’s enterprise IT environment in a fast-paced aerospace setting. You will work alongside experienced systems administrators and engineers while gaining hands-on experience across endpoint management, networking, cybersecurity, hardware deployment, and end-user support.
What It Takes:
What We’d Love:
Compensation:
This position is paid hourly based on the candidate’s highest completed degree at the time of hire:
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.
Pay Range 30 - 42 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