Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer
Space Kinetic· startup· Defense & Space· May 19, 2026 · 5mo agoPosted 161 days ago
El Segundo, California
In office
Full-time
Senior
$160K–$220K est.
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since May 19, 2026 — 161 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
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
What You’ll Do:
We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
Job Responsibilities:
Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems
Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture
Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software
Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms
Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities
Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test
Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems
Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns
Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions
What It Takes:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field
5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development
Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior
Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops
Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software
Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python
Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems
Experince working with space systems
What We’d Love:
PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background
Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing
Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows
Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems
Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols
Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred
Real-time embedded systems
Control loop implementation
Motor controllers and actuator interfaces
Sensor integration and signal processing
Simulation and modeling workflows
System debugging and integration testing
Cross-functional engineering collaboration
Where You’ll Be:
The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).
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. Pay Range $170,000 — $240,000 USD
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto