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Propulsion Manufacturing 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 

Joining a small team, you will drive the manufacturing success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. Partnering with design engineers early on in the process you will ensure manufacturability, build the first prototype, design the build flow, and finalize the process for transition to production. Your work will involve thruster components, high pressure feed systems, integrated electronics systems, and secondary satellite structures. In your first 6 months you will develop advanced manufacturing methods and tooling for critical propulsion components, define manufacturing flows for subsystems, and collaborate with design teams to improve the manufacturability of spacecraft components.  

Responsibilities 

  • Collaborate with propulsion design engineers to develop and implement manufacturing processes and procedures to optimize production efficiency and product quality  

  • Develop innovative manufacturing systems for propulsion assemblies, including welded/bolted structures, high pressure systems, and electrical subassemblies 

  • Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software  

  • Demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with the design teams to improve the manufacturability of the designs 

  • Develop the propulsion subassembly build and production flow procedures 

  • Provide technical support to resolve production issues, including equipment malfunctions, process deviations, and quality problems  

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 

  • 3+ years of experience in high volume, rapid production environment in a manufacturing/integration/automation/automotive engineering role 

  • Demonstrated results with product development and/or process improvements 

  • Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds 

  • Hands-on experience with basic fabrication tools and processes (electric/pneumatic power tools, tube bending, machining, welding, etc.) 

Nice to Have 

  • Experience in the design and manufacturing of automated high pressure test equipment 

  • Experience designing and implementing technologies for avionics subassembly manufacturing including PCBA/mechanical enclosure assembly 

  • Demonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturing 

  • Relevant industry experience as an automation or controls engineer 

  • Experience with manufacturing standards such as torque specifications, welding standards, and quality assurance standards 

  • Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $175,000 + 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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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.

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