Job Description

Overview

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup focused on creating a new architecture for space operations that leverages drone technology for space missions while minimizing reliance on consumable fuel. They are seeking a Senior Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer to lead the assembly, integration, verification, and testing of complex aerospace hardware and systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities for aerospace vehicles and systems.
  • Develop and maintain assembly procedures, work instructions, integration plans, and test procedures.
  • Plan and execute mechanical and electrical integration of flight hardware.
  • Provide hands-on engineering support on the manufacturing and integration floor.
  • Plan and execute environmental testing, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
  • Define test configurations, instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements.
  • Review engineering drawings and coordinate with teams to support integration activities.
  • Improve AIT processes to increase quality, repeatability, efficiency, and production throughput.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
  • 5+ years of professional aerospace experience supporting flight systems.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace hardware assembly and testing.
  • Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and system-level hardware issues.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and electrical schematics.
  • Strong understanding of engineering configuration control and hardware traceability.
  • Experience working directly with technicians and engineers during hardware operations.
  • Ability to drive complex hardware issues to closure with limited supervision.

Benefits

  • 401k
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • The position is onsite at headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
  • Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

Benefits

401k
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO

How this job compares in El Segundo, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $82/hr, this posting sits about 78% above the $46/hr median for welding jobs in El Segundo, CA — toward the top of a $38–$65/hr middle band drawn from 21 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 90% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in El Segundo, CA

We're tracking 25 other active welding openings in El Segundo, CA right now, from 12 different employers. 20 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 594 other active welding openings from 272 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in El Segundo, or widen the search to California.

Space Kinetic Corp. currently has 1 other opening live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (37), Welding Shop in Los Angeles, CA (17), and Honeywell Aerospace (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $51/hr, Santa Ana at $48/hr, and Torrance at $47/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near El Segundo, CA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Senior Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer figures were last recalculated when this page was built.