Technical Program Manager

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, 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 # 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 Technical Program Manager to support technical program execution, coordinate cross-functional engineering activities, and help drive aerospace development programs from planning through execution.The Technical Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating technical projects involving aerospace hardware development, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, and program deliverables. This role combines technical coordination, project execution discipline, and aerospace program support to help ensure engineering development efforts move efficiently from concept through production readiness. This position requires engineering understanding sufficient to communicate effectively with technical teams, manage schedules, identify risks, and ensure projects remain aligned with customer requirements, internal milestones, and business objectives. The Project Manager serves as a central point of coordination between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, leadership, and external stakeholders.Lead planning, coordination, and execution of aerospace engineering and hardware development projectsDevelop and maintain project schedules, milestones, action trackers, and program status reportingCoordinate closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure execution against program goalsSupport technical reviews, design reviews, production readiness discussions, and milestone planningMonitor project scope, schedule, cost drivers, and execution risksIdentify schedule impacts, technical dependencies, and program constraints early and escalate when neededTrack deliverables, action items, procurement dependencies, and critical path activitiesFacilitate internal meetings and ensure follow-up actions are completed across teamsSupport customer-facing updates, program documentation, and status communications as neededHelp manage contract deliverables and internal execution against awarded program requirementsWork closely with engineering teams to understand technical priorities and execution challengesAssist leadership in translating technical development priorities into executable project plansSupport disciplined configuration management processes for hardware and software to maintain revision control, traceability, and alignment across program activitiesCoordinate and monitor test-readiness activities, including technical preparation, documentation status, material readiness, and integration planning prior to test executionSupport integration activities across hardware and software elements, maintaining visibility into dependencies that affect system performance and program milestonesDemonstrate understanding of how software integrates within broader system architecture and support coordination between software and hardware development effortsSupport continuous improvement in program controls, reporting structure, and execution disciplineWhat It Takes:Basic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field preferred5+ years of project management experience supporting engineering, aerospace, manufacturing, or hardware development programsAerospace industry experience requiredStrong understanding of engineering development processes, technical schedules, and hardware program executionAbility to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and software functionsExperience managing schedules, technical action tracking, and cross-functional program executionFamiliarity with hardware development lifecycle, integration activities, and test planningUnderstanding of disciplined configuration management principles for hardware and software environmentsAbility to identify technical dependencies, schedule risks, and execution constraints earlyStrong communication skills with ability to interface across technical teams and leadershipExperience supporting technical reviews, program reporting, and milestone-driven executionPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting prototype, flight hardware, or aerospace product development programsFamiliarity with test readiness reviews, integration planning, and engineering release processesUnderstanding of software integration within broader system architectureExperience supporting customer-funded programs, contract deliverables, or defense-related development effortsPMP certification or equivalent project/program management training is a plusWhere 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 CompensationHighly Competitive PTO and Holiday CalendarComprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision CoverageUnique Performance-Based Bonus StructureITAR 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 hereEqual 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$130,000 - $180,000 USD depending on experience, technical depth, and overall scope of responsibilityThe 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: $130,000 USD - $180,000 USD