A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are:Â
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, attritable, 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.
Â
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
Our Intern Program:
Space Kinetic's internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.
Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic's mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.
What You'll Do:Â
As an Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Intern, you will support Engineering to help design and build prototypes for Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. You will work with the Space Kinetic GNC team to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. This role will involve 6-DOF modeling, uncertainty analysis and state estimation, control theory, as well as software development and analysis.
What It Takes:Â
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, self-driven entrepreneurial workplaceÂ
- Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university and graduating within the next semester or have recently graduated
- Coding experience in C++, Python and/or RustÂ
- Experience with MATLAB/SIMULINK
- Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to career coaching and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.Â
- Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.Â
 What We'd Love:Â
- Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
- Knowledgeable of Dynamics and Kinematics
- Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU)Â
Where You'll Be:Â
- The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
ITAR Requirements:Â
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 ITARÂ hereÂ
Equal Employment Opportunity:Â
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.Â