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:
Space Kinetic is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Recruiter to lead full-cycle recruiting across spacecraft systems, avionics, software, GNC, propulsion, manufacturing, test, and mission operations. This role will partner directly with engineering leaders to identify, engage, and close highly specialized technical talent.
Job Responsibilities:
- Own full-cycle recruiting from sourcing through offer acceptance and onboarding.
- Develop sourcing strategies across aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, and adjacent industries.
- Build pipelines for critical engineering, operations, and leadership roles.
- Partner with hiring managers to define requirements and candidate evaluation criteria.
- Develop structured interview processes and maintain recruiting metrics and reporting.
- Represent Space Kinetic at conferences, universities, networking events, and technical communities.
- Serve as an ambassador for Space Kinetic’s mission, culture, and technology.
What It Takes:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience.
- Experience hiring engineers and other specialized technical professionals.
- Recruiting experience within aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, or deep technology.
- Strong sourcing experience using LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and close candidates in competitive markets.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
What We'd Love:
- Experience scaling an early-stage aerospace or defense technology startup.
- An established network within commercial or national security space.
- Experience recruiting spacecraft, propulsion, GNC, software, manufacturing, or systems engineering talent.
- Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment.
Where You'll Be:
The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
What We Offer:
- Equity-Based Compensation
- Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, including hiring engineers and technical professionals
- Experience building teams within aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, or deep technology sectors
- Strong sourcing experience utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach strategies
- Track record of successfully hiring highly specialized technical talent in competitive markets
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and candidate-closing skills
- Ability to work onsite at headquarters in El Segundo, CA
- ITAR eligibility: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card), refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required Department of State authorizations
- Experience helping scale an early-stage aerospace or defense technology startup
- Existing network within the commercial space and national security space communities
- Experience recruiting spacecraft, propulsion, GNC, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering talent
- Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
What We Do
Space Kinetic is focused on our nation’s most urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to rethink space operations down to first principles to deliver game-changing capabilities for missile defense and space superiority.
