Director of Engineering - Deployables (Microsatellites)

Job overview

The Director of Engineering - Deployables (Microsatellites) role is onsite at Space Kinetic’s headquarters in El Segundo, CA, with an annual pay range of $195,000–$220,000. Space Kinetic is developing a space-operations architecture that deploys multiple payloads from host spacecraft without firing a thruster. The director leads ruggedized microsatellite development from concept through flight, owning design, fabrication, integration, testing, qualification, and production transition. The role guides multidisciplinary engineering teams and resolves hardware, manufacturing, and supplier challenges.

What you'll do

• Lead deployable microsatellite development
• own system design, analysis, fabrication, integration, testing, and qualification
• design hardware for high-G conditions
• lead design reviews
• produce mechanical designs, drawings, tolerance analyses, and technical documentation
• build prototype through flight hardware
• plan and execute environmental and lifecycle testing
• resolve hardware failures and supplier challenges.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

full-time

director of engineering

microsatellites

deployable systems

aerospace engineering

mechanical design

hardware integration

environmental testing

el segundo ca

space kinetic

$195k–$220k

equity-based compensation

401(k) match

domestic travel up to 20%

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Equity-based compensation, 401(k) with 3.5% company match, PTO, paid holidays and winter break, medical, dental and vision insurance, and performance-based bonus opportunities.

Why this role

Domestic travel may be required, up to approximately 20% of the year. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export authorization requirements.

About the employer

Space Kinetic is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.