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Power Electronics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($180M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. 

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.  

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 B space startup, we’d love for you to apply. 

The Role

You will be responsible for designing some of the highest power systems ever flown in space. You will be able to develop a broad range of power electronics devices ranging from power switching to power conversion components capable of operating in the harshest space environments. In your first 6 months you will prototype your first high power devices and execute environmental and performance testing to refine your designs. In your first year you will qualify your hardware for flight and begin designing even more capable devices for future generations of spacecraft. In your first two years you will have flown your power devices in space and developed novel designs across all power domains.

Responsibilities

  • Develop power electronics for large spacecraft with power systems ranging from 20kW to 100kW capability

  • Serve as Responsible Engineer for flight hardware from conception through flight

  • Qualify your designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum testing

  • Work with partners/customers to define interfaces between the power system and various spacecraft loads

  • Develop models to analyze and verify power system performance

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

  • 3+ years of professional design experience with power electronics (research and extracurricular academic projects qualify)

Nice to Have

  • Proficient with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice

  • Experience with environmental testing for space electronics such as thermal testing, vibration testing, TVAC testing, shock testing, radiation testing, and EMI/EMC testing

  • Experience with high performance kW scale isolated power converter design

  • Experience with load switch design and power path protection schemes

  • Experience with power stage component selection for use in radiation environments

  • Knowledge of filter design for stability, noise rejection, and surviving threat signals

  • Experience programming in C/C++, Python, or Matlab

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company

  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

  • Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited 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.

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