IT Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

About Us

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. We are focused on creating an entirely different 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 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 role requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing foundational assumptions in space operations.

About the Development Program

This is a full-time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California. It serves as a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates eager to solve cutting-edge technical problems and contribute to high-consequence dual-use space missions.

• Interns become part of our core technical, operations, and business teams and work on mission-critical projects.
• Outstanding interns may receive a full-time employment offer before or upon completion of the program.
• Qualified participants relocating for the program may be eligible for a housing stipend.
• Applications are accepted year-round based on hiring needs.
• Over the three-month program, you are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Responsibilities

As an IT team member, you will support the day-to-day operation and growth of Space Kinetic’s enterprise IT environment in a fast-paced aerospace setting. You will work alongside experienced systems administrators and engineers while gaining hands-on experience in:

• Endpoint management
• Networking
• Cybersecurity
• Hardware deployment
• End-user support

Requirements

• Graduate of a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline.
• Familiarity with Windows operating systems and common desktop applications.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts and troubleshooting, including IP addresses, DNS, DHCP, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• 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 criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous IT, help desk, systems administration, or technical support experience.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Active Directory.
• Experience imaging or deploying Windows computers.
• Exposure to hardware troubleshooting, networking, or endpoint management.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Experience with ticketing systems, asset management platforms, or IT documentation.

Location

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Pay

This position is paid hourly based on the candidate’s highest completed degree at the time of hire:

• Bachelor’s degree: $30 per hour
• Master’s degree: $35 per hour
• PhD: $42 per hour

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.