About this opportunity
Industrious Ventures lists this Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer opportunity in el segundo, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.
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.
Key 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
What We’d Love
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
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 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
el segundo, CA, 90245, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.