ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kinetic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Space Kinetic

Chief Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new ... The Chief Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering ...

Space Kinetic

Chief Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new ... The Chief Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering ...

Kinetic

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

About Kinetic Kinetic Automation is building a network of automated repair centers for modern ... You'll collaborate with other engineers and researchers to develop, evaluate, and help deploy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsKinetic Engineer Jobs

Kinetic Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do kinetic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for kinetic engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by kinetic engineers when developing motion-based systems?

Kinetic engineers often deal with the complexities of optimizing mechanical systems for efficiency and reliability, especially when designing components that experience frequent or high-intensity motion. Challenges can include mitigating wear and tear, ensuring safety under dynamic loads, and integrating new materials or technologies. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as electrical engineers, designers, and project managers—is crucial to successfully address these challenges and deliver robust solutions. Staying updated on the latest simulation tools and industry standards also helps kinetic engineers overcome technical obstacles.

What are Kinetic Engineers?

Kinetic Engineers are professionals who specialize in the study and application of motion, energy transfer, and mechanics in engineering systems. They design, analyze, and optimize devices and systems where movement and energy efficiency are critical, such as in robotics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. Their work often involves using principles of physics and advanced computational tools to create innovative solutions for moving parts or entire mechanisms. Kinetic Engineers may also work on renewable energy systems, biomechanics, or any field where understanding and controlling kinetic energy is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kinetic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kinetic Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, motion analysis, and physics, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical or kinetic engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, motion simulation tools (like MATLAB or Simulink), and industry-standard modeling systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you excel when designing and optimizing mechanical systems. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient kinetic solutions and ensuring safe, innovative product designs in engineering environments.

What is the difference between Kinetic Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectKinetic EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or related fields; often certifications in dynamics or motion controlBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, testing facilities, often focused on motion and dynamicsManufacturing, design offices, R&D labs, broader focus on mechanical systems
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, motion control systemsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, HVAC, general mechanical systems

While both roles involve mechanical principles, a Kinetic Engineer specializes in motion, dynamics, and systems involving movement, whereas a Mechanical Engineer has a broader focus on mechanical design, manufacturing, and system integration. The choice depends on whether the focus is on motion-specific applications or general mechanical systems.

More about Kinetic Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Kinetic Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Kinetic Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Kinetic Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kinetic Engineer jobs are:
Kinetic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kinetic Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

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, 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.
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:

The Chief Engineer at Space Kinetic will be a highly experienced and visionary engineering professional with extensive experience in successfully leading complex space programs from concept to mission operations and have demonstrated technical excellence in space system mission design and supporting development of space hardware from System Concept, System Requirements to Technology Readiness Level 9. This is a critical leadership role responsible for providing critical mission planning, requirements definition, technical oversight and supporting all engineering and programmatic functions within the company in a fast-paced start-up agile environment. The Chief Systems Engineer will develop and execute the overall payload mission, engineering, and production requirements in line with the company's goals and objectives.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Overall Technical Authority
• Leads the space system's architecture and major design decisions
• Balances performance, SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost), and risk
• Signs off on design maturity and readiness at every review (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
2. Systems Engineering Leadership
• Ensures all subsystems (GNC, power, comms, structures, thermal, avionics, software, payload, etc.) integrate correctly
• Owns system requirements: flow-down, allocation, verification, validation
3. Mission Performance & Safety
• Ensures the Space Kinetic system meets mission performance (pointing, power budget, data throughput, lifetime, survivability)
• Oversee environmental qualification (vibration, shock, TVAC, EMI, radiation considerations)

What It Takes:

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in leadership positions of satellite systems development, integration, and operation.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance
  • Have successfully flown two spacecrafts from concept to mission operations.

What We'd Love:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start­up atmosphere
  • Passion for advancing the commercial and National Security space industry

Where You'll Be:

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer:

  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
  • Health and Wellness Stipend
  • Commuter Benefits

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
$220,000—$280,000 USD