A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are:
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.
What You’ll Do:
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in transitioning Space Kinetic from prototype development to scalable production. You will develop manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency, implement automation, and help build the manufacturing infrastructure needed to support future production. Working closely with Engineering, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Operations, you will help ensure our products are designed for manufacturability while continuously improving quality, efficiency, and throughput. This is an opportunity to build manufacturing systems from the ground up inside one of the most exciting aerospace startups in the industry.
Job Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Process Development
Develop manufacturing processes that support prototype builds and future production
Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements with engineering teams
Create standardized work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and production procedures
Develop manufacturing plans for new products and engineering releases
Production Scale-Up
Evaluate current designs and manufacturing methods to prepare for higher-rate production
Develop manufacturing strategies that improve quality, repeatability, and throughput
Identify opportunities for automation and advanced manufacturing technologies
Support production readiness for future manufacturing expansion
Automation & Continuous Improvement
Help implement automation across machining and manufacturing operations
Improve factory layout, workflow, and production efficiency
Develop Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Eliminate bottlenecks and improve manufacturing productivity
Manufacturing Operations Support
Partner with engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product designs
Troubleshoot production challenges and support root cause investigations
Support machining, assembly, testing, and integration activities
Work closely with Supply Chain to improve manufacturability and material flow
Factory Development
Help establish manufacturing processes, organization, and best practices as the company scales
Recommend tooling, fixtures, equipment, and capital improvements
Support long-term planning for production growth and manufacturing capacity
What It Takes:
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance manufacturing environments
Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and production processes
Experience implementing Design for Manufacturability…