K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
You will be responsible for executing and overseeing complex test campaigns, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, of satellite components and systems. This role will support development of the Mega Class satellite and future versions of the spacecraft. In your first 6 months you will contribute to the layout and organization of the environmental test lab.
Responsibilities
- Independently program, instrument and operate various test assets, including typical environmental test applications (thermal, thermal-vacuum, vibration shaker, mechanical shock simulators, tension testers) and non-typical development test apparatuses (e.g. gravity offloaders, structural test fixtures)
- Collaborate with engineering on test planning, fixture design, instrumentation, and test data analysis for thermal, dynamics, and mechanical testing
- Deliver accurate and calibrated measurements along with measurement insights
- Partner with engineering to analyze and interpret test data for troubleshooting hardware and test discrepancies
- Maintain test lab equipment, manage inventory of test consumables, and work on 5S improvement projects
- Responsible for preventative maintenance of test equipment
- As part of a small team, you will perform other tasks to support manufacturing as needed
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in environmental testing preferably in the aerospace industry
- Experience conducting and leading tests such as thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and thermal cycling for aerospace components
- Proven experience in setting up and executing complex environmental tests with minimal supervision
- Experience working in a highly iterative environment
- Ability to operate autonomously and make decisions in real-time during testing operations
- Excellent organization and communication skills with attention to detail during data analysis, reporting, and presenting findings to test engineers
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with MES platforms such as SpaceX Warp Drive or similar systems
- Proficiency with DAQ systems (NI DAQ, Keysight) used in capturing test data
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
- Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
Nice to Have
- Experience in a fast-paced production development environment
- Experience with in-space electro-mechanical assemblies
- Experience with basic machining or fabrication using shop equipment
Compensation and Benefits:
- Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $32 – $45+ equity in the company
- Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
