{"id":4118191,"url":"https://alion.io/job/space-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization","title":"Software Developer – Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization","company":{"id":685289,"name":"Space Kinetic","domain":"spacekinetic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/spacekinetic","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":90,"open_postings":34,"ghost_share":0.088,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":118,"computed_at":"2026-11-11T05:49:22Z"}},"role":"Backend","role_family":"Backend","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["El Segundo, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C#","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":false},{"name":"JavaScript","optional":false},{"name":"MQTT","optional":false},{"name":"OPC UA","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"TypeScript","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-11T20:34:03Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-11","last_verified_at":"2026-11-12T00:25:55Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"A New Paradigm For Space Operations.\nWho We Are:\nSpace 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.\nThis 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.\nWhat You’ll Do:\nAs 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.\nThis 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.\nJob Responsibilities:\nDesign, develop, test, and maintain software applications supporting manufacturing operations and production workflows.\nBuild automation tools that reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and increase manufacturing efficiency.\nDevelop software integrations between manufacturing equipment, internal applications, databases, and production systems.\nCreate APIs, data pipelines, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve production visibility and operational decision-making.\nCollaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to identify workflow inefficiencies and translate operational needs into technical solutions.\nDevelop systems for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing manufacturing and equipment data.\nSupport integration with CNC equipment, PLCs, sensors, test systems, and other industrial hardware where applicable.\nTroubleshoot software, connectivity, data, and system integration issues across manufacturing environments.\nEstablish maintainable code, documentation, testing practices, and deployment processes.\nEvaluate new technologies and recommend practical automation solutions.\nIndependently manage development projects from requirements gathering and technical design through deployment and ongoing support.\nHelp establish scalable software infrastructure as manufacturing operations and hardware programs grow.\nWhat It Takes:\nBachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. \n5+ years of professional software development automation experience.\nAbility to create and maintain technical documentation, equipment requirements, test results, process instructions, and engineering reports.\nDevelop training materials and provide training on automation equipment, processes, and technologies.\nSupport standardization of automation practices, equipment requirements, and manufacturing processes.\nStrong proficiency in one or more programming languages commonly used for application development and automation, such as Python, C++, C#, or JavaScript/TypeScript.\nExperience developing software applications, APIs, integrations, or automation tools.\nExperience working with relational databases, data structures, and data processing workflows.\nDemonstrated ability to independently design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software solutions.\nStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across software and system integration challenges.\nAbility to work directly with non-software engineering teams to understand operational requirements and deliver practical technical solutions.\nStrong documentation, communication, and project ownership skills.\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.\nWhat We'd Love:\nExperience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing.\nFamiliarity with CNC machine tools, PLCs, industrial sensors, robotics, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).\nExperience with industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, or MQTT.\nExperience integrating software with physical equipment, test systems, or production hardware.\nKnowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, production data, and process control.\nExperience with cloud platforms, containerization, CI/CD, and scalable software infrastructure.\nFamiliarity with CAD/CAM workflows or automated inspection and metrology systems.\nExperience mentoring developers or establishing software development standards.\nOur 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.\nWhere You’ll Be:\nThe position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to approximately 10% of the year).\nWhat We Offer:\nEquity-Based Compensation\n401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match\nHighly Competitive PTO\nPaid company holidays + winter break \nComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance\nUnique Performance-based bonus opportunities\nITAR Requirements:\nTo 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.\nEqual Employment Opportunity:\nSpace 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.\nThe 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. \nPay Range\n$40—$60 USD","description_format":"text","description_chars":7224,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Retirement plans","Vision insurance"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Missiles","Space Services"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-11-12T00:25:55Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":86,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.86,"p_room":1,"age_days":0,"expected_fill_days":118,"reasons":["conf:1","win:early"],"computed_at":"2026-11-12T01:27:05Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/space-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/space-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-12T01:27:05Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":3423,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-13T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.1,"usd":0.01,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":685289},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=685289"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fspace-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":2,"usd":0.2},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fspace-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.1,"usd":0.01},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fspace-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/space-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fspace-kinetic-software-developer-manufacturing-automation-process-optimization"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":4118191}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"spacekinetic.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":4118191},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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