About the role
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
You will own the success of avionics testing involving the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and software to deliver flight avionics through ATP and QTP for the Mega satellite constellation. As part of a multidisciplinary propulsion team, you will work alongside electrical, propulsion, mechanical, manufacturing, test and automation engineers to validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, conduct propulsion system hot-fire tests, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
- Lead setup, execution, and analysis of tests on electronic hardware, including circuit boards and spacecraft power systems
- Troubleshoot complex electronics, test setups, and anomalies in collaboration with engineering teams
- Support environmental and functional testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing
- Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support propulsion development testing
- Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, Python, C++, Rust, etc
- Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff, through test report, and beyond
- Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
- Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of flight avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
- Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
- Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2+ years of experience in hardware testing, validation, or related roles
- Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, Rust)
- Solid understanding of electronic circuits, schematics, and components
- Experience designing multi-layer PCBAs for high-power or avionics applications
Nice to Have
- Experience designing analog control loops, solid state load switches, motor inverters, EMI/EMC compliance, or sensor signal conditioning circuits
- Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
- Proficient with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice
- Experience with component selection for use in radiation environments
- Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
- Experience with power processing units (PPU) for electric propulsion testing
02 Aplyr's read
K2 Space is a cutting-edge aerospace company focused on satellite systems and space exploration, attracting engineers and specialists in advanced space technologies.
What's promising
- •Strong focus on satellite systems positions K2 Space at the forefront of space exploration technology.
- •Recent hiring spree indicates growth and demand for specialized engineering talent.
- •Emphasis on solar technology suggests innovation in sustainable space solutions.
What to watch
- •High specialization may limit opportunities for generalists or entry-level candidates.
- •Rapid growth could strain existing resources and infrastructure.
- •Competitive aerospace industry may pose challenges in maintaining technological edge.
Why K2 Space
- •K2 Space's focus on solar technology in space applications is distinctive.
- •The company's involvement in both satellite systems and space exploration is relatively rare.
- •Hiring for niche roles like Principal PCB Designer highlights specialized expertise.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
03 About K2 Space
K2 Space Corporation specializes in providing advanced space technology solutions and services, focusing on satellite systems and space exploration.
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