Senior Technical Recruiter

Senior Technical Recruiter

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:

Space Kinetic is seeking an experienced Technical Recruiter to help build the team that will redefine how humanity operates in space. This individual will serve as a strategic talent partner to engineering and leadership teams, leading full-cycle recruiting efforts across highly technical disciplines including spacecraft systems, avionics, software, GNC, propulsion, manufacturing, test, and mission operations.

The ideal candidate has experience scaling teams at venture-backed aerospace, defense, or deep-tech companies and understands how to identify, engage, and close world-class engineering talent in highly competitive markets. This role requires exceptional sourcing ability, strong technical fluency, and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment.

Basic Responsibilities:

Full-Cycle Technical Recruiting

Own end-to-end recruiting processes across engineering, operations, and leadership roles.

Develop sourcing strategies to identify exceptional candidates from aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, and adjacent industries

Manage candidate pipelines from initial outreach through offer acceptance and onboarding

Space Industry Talent Acquisition

Leverage existing networks across the commercial space, defense, and advanced technology ecosystems

Identify and recruit top talent from established aerospace primes, venture-backed startups, government laboratories, and research institutions.

Build talent pipelines for critical technical functions including systems engineering, flight software, avionics, structures, manufacturing, propulsion, and mission operations

Hiring Manager Partnership

Partner closely with engineering leaders to define hiring needs, role requirements, and candidate evaluation criteria.

Develop structured interview processes that assess technical excellence, startup aptitude, and cultural alignment

Talent Brand Recruiting Operations

Serve as an ambassador for Space Kinetic's mission, culture, and technology vision

Build and maintain recruiting processes, metrics, and reporting mechanisms that support company growth

Represent Space Kinetic at industry conferences, networking events, university recruiting activities, and technical communities

What It Takes:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, including experience hiring engineers and technical professionals

Demonstrated experience building teams within the aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, or deep technology sectors

Strong sourcing experience utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach strategies

Track record of successfully hiring highly specialized technical talent in competitive markets

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and candidate-closing skills

What We'd Love:

Experience helping scale an early-stage aerospace or defense technology startup

Existing network within the commercial space and national security space communities

Experience recruiting spacecraft, propulsion, GNC, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering talent

Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere

Where You'll Be:

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA

What We Offer:

Equity-Based Compensation

Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Health and Wellness Stipend

Commuter Benefits

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…