Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineering Internship (Path to Full Time 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 Intern Program: Space Kinetic’s internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team. Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic’s mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship. What You’ll Do: As an Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Intern, you will support Engineering to help design and build prototypes for Space Kinetic’s core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. You will work with the Space Kinetic manufacturing and/or engineering teams to enhance the current design architecture as we prepare for Flight Development. Depending upon your background, the role can dive deep into CAD, software coding, system engineering integration and test, thermal modeling, stress analysis, Electrical Circuit Design, board and box assembly and test or manufacturing support. You will collaborate with vendors to source components, support finite element analysis (FEA) simulations for the system, and create models for both the current prototype and the full-scale system . Test as built systems, develop code for flight and ground applications. What It Takes: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, self-driven entrepreneurial workplace Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related major at an accredited college or university and graduating within the next semester or have recently graduated Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks) Coding experience in C++, Python and/or Rust 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. Knowledgeable of Dynamics and Kinematics Previous experience with Control Systems (Sensor Fusion, Kalman Filtering, IMU) Mathematics to include Linear Algebra, Differential Equation, Probability and Statistics Where You’ll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. ITAR Re