Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer

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, 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 number 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.

Responsibilities

• Design spacecraft actuators, motor controls, power electronics, and power systems.
• Model and simulate electromechanical and power systems for feasibility, optimization, and system sizing.
• Implement motor-control designs on DSP and FPGA targets.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations.
• Perform iterative testing and develop operational knowledge of the complete payload.
• Coordinate electrical and software requirements across engineering teams.
• Evaluate buy-versus-build decisions and communicate cost, schedule, and technical risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field OR a Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for two years of experience per advanced degree.
• 7+ years of motor controls and power electronics experience.
• Experience with dynamic modeling and controls in MATLAB.
• Strong knowledge of BLDC motors and control algorithms, including field-oriented control.
• Experience with power-converter topologies and their controls.
• Experience implementing algorithms in hardware and software for target deployment.
• Strong systems-thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with payload-interface hardware used in spaceflight missions.
• Hands-on circuit-design and software-development experience.
• Understanding of spaceflight payloads and space-environment effects.

Location

The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Pay

Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and internal equity. Pay Range: $180,000 USD - $210,000 USD.

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.