Astrodynamics Engineering Development Program (3 Months - Path to Hire)

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. Our Development Program: This is a full-time, onsite program for three months at our headquarters in El Segundo, California. Our Development Program is a pathway to a career at Space Kinetic. We hire recent graduates who are 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, work on mission-critical projects, and are evaluated for long-term career opportunities based on performance, initiative, collaboration, and ownership. 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, and 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. What You’ll Do: As an Astrodynamics team member , you will support the modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts of our Mission Engineering team. These will support development of our flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment , as well as other potential missions . You will also work with Space Kinetic engineering teams as necessary to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. The role will require work into orbit/trajectory analysis, parametric studies, development of optimization algorithms, and embedded flight software development . What It Takes: A Graduate of a Bachelors or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust Experience with Ansys STK Understanding of Orbital Dynamics 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. Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance. What We’d Love: 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. Knowledge of Dynamics and Kinematics Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU) Where You’ll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Compensation: This position is paid…