Full-Time

Senior Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Posted on 10/3/2025

Space Kinetic

Space Kinetic

11-50 employees

Propellant-free payload deployment system for space

Compensation Overview

$150k - $190k/yr

+ Bonus + Equity

El Segundo, CA, USA

In Person

Category
QA & Testing (2)
,
Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in systems integration and testing, with a proven track record in either RF, SATCOM, radar, wireless systems, flight testing of military missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft or aircraft
  • Strong hands-on experience in hardware/software integration, system-level testing, and troubleshooting complex technical issues
  • Proficiency with test equipment and software tools such as MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with distributed, cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges
  • Familiarity with phased array technologies and satellite communications is a plus
  • 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)
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required
  • Onsite work at the headquarters in El Segundo, CA
  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA
Responsibilities
  • Develop, document, and execute comprehensive integration and test plans for space-based systems.
  • Lead the hands-on integration of hardware and software subsystems, troubleshooting issues at the interface and system level.
  • Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineering team members to define interface requirements and resolve integration challenges in a timely manner.
  • Analyze test data and translate results into clear reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
  • Contribute to the development of automated test scripts and procedures to improve efficiency and test coverage.
  • Contribute to the design and build of test Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE)
  • Contribute to the design and build of test Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)
  • Subject matter expertise on integration and test best practices, tools, and procedures.
  • Support system verification, validation, and customer acceptance testing activities.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with products for aerospace applications
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to work both autonomously and in a team
  • Strong attitude to achieve results within time and cost constraints

Space Kinetic develops dual-use space technology for national security, focusing on a propellant-free electromechanical deployment system called Longbow. The system uses a rotary mechanism to accelerate and release multiple payloads from a host satellite, delivering high-velocity, instantaneous changes in trajectory without firing thrusters. This creates a low-signature, flexible method for maneuvering assets in space and aims to bring space mobility and rapid in-space logistics to defense and commercial markets. The company differentiates itself through its propellant-free approach, a tested model built from a garage prototype, and close collaborations with national labs (Los Alamos and Sandia) and government programs (US Space Force, DARPA, NSF, SBIR with the Air Force). Its goal is to provide deployable payload deployment systems and in-space mobility solutions to support space superiority and missile defense, enabling proliferated drone-like capabilities in space.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Founded

2022

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • US Space Force contracts drive responsive space operations demand in 2025.
  • DARPA programs expand in-space logistics opportunities for Longbow integration.
  • CerraCap Ventures' $12M seed in August 2025 accelerates Whirlwind development.

What critics are saying

  • Chinese Shijian-21 outpaces Longbow with robotic arms in 6-12 months.
  • Lockheed MX-10A's 15 km/s speeds defeat slower payloads by February 2026.
  • DARPA terminates SBIR Phase II over 40% overruns in 3-6 months.

What makes Space Kinetic unique

  • Longbow deploys payloads from host satellites using propellant-free rotary mechanism.
  • Brings drone economics to space with one-to-many operational flexibility.
  • Patented electromechanical system targets space superiority and missile defense.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Equity-Based Compensation

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Health and Wellness Stipend

Commuter Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

15%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

8%
FinSMEs
Aug 19th, 2025
Space Kinetic Receives Investment from CerraCap Ventures

Space Kinetic, an Albuquerque, NM-based U.S.-licensed national security operator, received an investment from CerraCap Ventures

PR Newswire
Aug 19th, 2025
CerraCap Ventures Invests in Space Kinetic, Driving Breakthrough - Space Superiority and Missile Defense Innovation

CerraCap Ventures invests in Space Kinetic, driving breakthrough - Space superiority and missile defense innovation.

SpaceNews
Apr 18th, 2023
AWS chooses 14 startups for its third space accelerator program

Amazon Web Services said April 18 it picked 14 U.S. and European startups to join its third annual space accelerator program kicking off in May to boost ventures with solutions for improving space sustainability.

INACTIVE