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Senior Integration & Test 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 

In your first 6 months, you will lead development of the integrated satellite-level (proto)qualification testing, including test sequence, test levels, vehicle configuration, procedures, and ground support equipment. In your first year, you will optimize the manufacturing build flow to minimize overall schedule without introducing mission risk. Within two years, you will be leading test campaigns on one or more customer programs in parallel, leveraging relationships you have built to establish strong, scalable external interfaces. While initial operations will be more manual as we exercise the vehicle design, our goal is a fully autonomous constellation. You’ll be the driver of constellation-level control to realize this goal.  

Responsibilities 

  • Develop standards for test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness 

  • Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations 

  • Act as a test conductor (and POC, if offsite) for environmental test campaigns 

  • Design, build, and operate electrical and mechanical ground support equipment 

  • Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest 

  • Manage relationships with launch vehicle providers, including contractual deliverables such as interface control documents and environmental test plan justifications 

  • Lead high-visibility (proto)qualification campaigns for development and flight hardware 

  • Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, justify test reductions and optimize vehicle build/test flows for at-rate production 

Qualifications 

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

  • 5+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects) 

  • Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing 

  • Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration 

  • Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment 

  • Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.) 

  • Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds 

  • Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills 

Nice to Have 

  • Proficient in Python and/or Rust 

  • Experience with Linux systems 

  • Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle) 

Compensation and Benefits 

  • Base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 + 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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