Chief Engineer

About the role

The is responsible for providing technical leadership and oversight for the development of a disruptive one-to-many payload deployment platform. This role owns the end-to-end system architecture, ensuring that design decisions align with the strategic goals of eliminating thruster dependence and enabling multi-payload missions. The hire will lead the definition, allocation, and verification of system requirements across the entire program lifecycle. They will establish the technical framework that balances performance, SWaP-C, and risk while adhering to strict operational constraints. The Chief Engineer will foster a culture of ownership and urgency, challenging conventional assumptions about space system development. Success in this position is measured by the team's ability to deliver coherent, executable solutions on schedule. The role demands clear communication and rigorous analysis to navigate the fast-paced startup environment. Ultimately, the hire will shape the technical foundation that defines Space Kinetic's unique value proposition in the space industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

Architect the system-level design for Space Kinetic's proliferated space platform, defining major subsystems and interfaces.

Lead the end-to-end management of system requirements, including flow-down, allocation, verification, and validation processes.

Balance system performance, SWaP-C trade studies, and risk mitigation to satisfy program objectives and operational constraints.

Provide technical leadership for satellite system development, integration, and operations, drawing on at least seven years of relevant experience.

Guide at least two spacecraft programs from initial concept through mission operations, ensuring successful delivery.

Support space hardware development from system concept through Technology Readiness Level 9.

Obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this position in compliance with ITAR regulations.

Utilize common systems engineering, payload integration, and mission planning tools to execute program goals.

Ensure clear communication and rigorous analysis are embedded in all technical decision-making processes.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to remove obstacles and enable successful program execution.

Champion a culture of urgency and ownership within the fast-paced startup environment.

Question traditional space system assumptions to drive innovation in payload deployment models.

Maintain alignment between technical decisions and strategic business outcomes.

Prepare and present decision stories with supporting numbers and lessons learned during leadership interviews.

Adapt to the dynamic startup environment by embracing rapid iteration and continuous learning.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is required.

Leadership roles involving satellite system development, integration, and operations for at least 7 years are mandatory.

Successfully taking at least two spacecraft from concept through mission operations is necessary.

Support for space hardware development from system concept and requirements through Technology Readiness Level 9 is required.

Obtaining a security clearance is required for this position.

U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or specific asylum/refugee status is required due to ITAR regulations.

A demonstrated history of leading complex space programs is essential.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required to navigate technical challenges.

The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders is mandatory.

Experience with systems engineering processes and tools is required.

Proven capability in managing requirements and ensuring traceability is necessary.

Commitment to operating in a fast-paced, high-responsibility startup environment is required.

Willingness to potentially engage in domestic travel up to approximately 20% of the year is necessary.

Practical notes

The position is based onsite at the headquarters in El Segundo, CA with possible domestic travel up to approximately 20% of the year.

citizenship, permanent residency, or specific asylum/refugee status due to ITAR regulations.

Typical interview steps

Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.

Good to know

The role operates in a fast-paced startup focused on proliferated space architectures that minimize fuel dependency.

Success depends on ownership, urgency, and challenging traditional space system assumptions.

Common tools for systems engineering, payload integration, and mission planning are used in this type of program.

Clear communication and rigorous analysis are essential in this environment.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made.

Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received.

Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles.

Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes.

The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide.

Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people.

The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.