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 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 has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus, and unlock a one-to-many system in which each satellite carries numerous payloads that 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:
We are seeking a hands-on Machine Maintenance Technician to maintain and repair the CNC machines and supporting equipment used in our aerospace manufacturing operations.
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on CNC mills, lathes, and mill-turn machines.
- Support Okuma Multus B300, Okuma Genos M560V-5AX, Okuma Genos M660, Haas, and Fadal equipment.
- Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, coolant, lubrication, and basic electrical issues.
- Disassemble, inspect, clean, repair, reassemble, and test machine components.
- Maintain supporting systems, including air compressors, pumps, chip conveyors, and mist collectors.
- Read schematics, mechanical drawings, OEM manuals, and technical documentation.
- Document maintenance work, manage spare parts, and maintain preventive-maintenance schedules.
- Support equipment installation, relocation, and commissioning.
- Follow lockout/tagout, chemical-safety, and 5S requirements.
What It Takes:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3+ years of experience maintaining CNC machines or industrial manufacturing equipment.
- Experience troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems.
- Ability to read schematics, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
- Strong hands-on troubleshooting and repair skills.
What We’d Love:
- Experience maintaining Okuma, Haas, or Fadal CNC equipment.
- Familiarity with Okuma OSP, Haas, Fanuc, or similar CNC controls.
- Experience troubleshooting motors, drives, sensors, pumps, and lubrication systems.
- Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, machining, or a related field.
- Experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing.
Physical & Work Environment:
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
- Frequent bending, reaching, crouching, and interaction with industrial machinery.
- Overtime or weekend work may be required based on production needs.
Where You’ll Be:
- The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
What We Offer:
- Equity-Based Compensation
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
- Highly Competitive PTO
- Paid company holidays + winter break
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities
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.