Software Developer – Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization

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: As a Software Developer – Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization will develop software solutions and automation tools that improve manufacturing efficiency, streamline production workflows, and reduce manual processes across Space Kinetic's manufacturing operations. This position will work closely with manufacturing personnel, mechanical engineers, and technical leadership to identify operational inefficiencies and develop software applications that connect manufacturing processes, equipment, production data, and engineering workflows. The ideal candidate has experience developing software for manufacturing environments, building automation solutions, integrating systems, and improving operational processes through technology. Job Responsibilities: Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications supporting manufacturing operations and production workflows. Build automation tools that reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and increase manufacturing efficiency. Develop software integrations between manufacturing equipment, internal applications, databases, and production systems. Create APIs, data pipelines, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve production visibility and operational decision-making. Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to identify workflow inefficiencies and translate operational needs into technical solutions. Develop systems for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing manufacturing and equipment data. Support integration with CNC equipment, PLCs, sensors, test systems, and other industrial hardware where applicable. Troubleshoot software, connectivity, data, and system integration issues across manufacturing environments. Establish maintainable code, documentation, testing practices, and deployment processes. Evaluate new technologies and recommend practical automation solutions. Independently manage development projects from requirements gathering and technical design through deployment and ongoing support. Help establish scalable software infrastructure as manufacturing operations and hardware programs grow. What It Takes: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. 5+ years of professional software development automation experience. Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, equipment requirements, test results, process instructions, and engineering reports. Develop training materials and provide training on automation equipment, processes, and technologies. Support standardization of automation practices, equipment requirements, and manufacturing processes. Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages commonly used for application development and automation, such as Python, C++, C#, or JavaScript/TypeScript. Experience developing software applications, APIs, integrations, or automation tools. Experience working with relational databases, data structures, and data processing workflows. Demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software solutions. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across software and system integration challenges. Ability to work directly with non-software engineering teams to understand operational requirements and deliver practical technical solutions. Strong documentation, communication, and project ownership skills. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. What We'd Love: Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing. Familiarity with CNC machine tools, PLCs, industrial sensors, robotics, or manufacturing execution systems (MES). Experience with industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, or MQTT. Experience integrating software with physical equipment, test systems, or production hardware. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, production data, and process control. Experience with cloud platforms, containerization, CI/CD, and scalable software infrastructure. Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows or automated inspection and metrology systems. Experience mentoring developers or establishing software development standards. Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. So, if your background doesn’t fully meet these qualifications, we still want your application. Where You’ll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to approximately 10% 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 $40 — $60 USD