Associate Electrical Design Engineer

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. Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. So, if your background doesn’t fully meet these qualifications, we still want your application. 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 an early careers Electrical Design Engineer, you will design, develop, integrate, and test the electrical systems for Space Kinetic's core technology. Working alongside a multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing team, you will help mature electrical architectures, develop circuit designs and PCB assemblies, build and test prototypes, and troubleshoot complex hardware challenges. You will own contribute to design tasks and adhere to electrical subsystem development, driving solutions from initial concept through hardware integration and qualification as we advance toward flight readiness. Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities will vary based on experience and role level, and will include: Support the design, development, and test electrical circuits, PCBs, and prototype hardware. Refine electrical architectures, schematics, and subsystem designs. Perform component selection, circuit analysis, and electrical trade studies. Support PCB layout, fabrication, assembly, and vendor coordination. Develop and integrate motor drives, power electronics, sensors, and embedded control interfaces. Integrate electrical systems with mechanical assemblies and vehicle hardware. Conduct hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, debugging, and performance testing. Develop electrical documentation, including BOMs, wiring diagrams, ICDs, and test procedures. Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering activities. Support prototype maturation, qualification, and progression toward flight readiness. What It Takes: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related STEM discipline. 0-3 years of experience through internships, academic projects, or professional work involving circuit design and hardware development. Familiarity with electrical schematics, component selection, and PCB design tools such as Altium. Understanding of electronics fundamentals, electrical testing, and hardware troubleshooting. Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies. Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn and work across disciplines. Experience developing hardware for aerospace, defense, robotics, or other demanding applications. Knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers, sensors, motor controls, and power electronics. Experience with high-voltage or high-current systems. What We’d Love: Working knowledge of analog circuits and modeling circuits. Experience with component selection and derating. Experience with troubleshooting and performing root cause analysis of printed wiring boards. Experience with analyzing and designing isolated and non-isolated DC/DC converters, switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), and Point-of-Load (POL) regulators. Experience using component layout, board layout, and schematic capture tools. Experience programing and utilizing programmable power supplies. Knowledge of MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-461. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving technical requirements. Where You’ll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~10% of the year). What We Offer: Equity-Based Compensation 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match Highly Competitive PTO Paid company holidays + winter break Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities 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 $80,000 — $120,000 USD