Manager, Structures

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 lead our impressive team of Mechanical Structures and Electromechanical Subsystems Engineers who are key to our successful satellite operation. You will both model and champion technical excellence within the team, and be responsible for ensuring you and your team are successful in the delivery of world-class structures and bus systems. You will drive efficient integration and testing of the spacecraft from subassembly integration all the way through structural qualification to fully integrated spacecraft testing.  

Responsibilities 

• Lead the Structures Engineering team focused on primary structures, secondary structures, electronics enclosures, and other vehicle structures 

• Effectively prioritize and allocate resources of our structures and mechanical sub-systems team members, including battery mechanical packaging, avionics and electromechanical packaging, and primary and secondary structures designs 

• Maintain and drive execution to an accurate schedule of internal and vendor-provided deliverables, including fabricated part and purchased part suppliers 

• Collaborate with our internal supply chain team to manage all vendors contributing to the projects 

• Partner with the Vehicle Operations and Production teams to ensure successful flight qualification and readiness 

• Provide ongoing technical mentorship and support to team members across the Structures and Mechanisms organization 

• Organize design reviews with cross-collaboration within the wider Engineering groups including Avionics, GNC, Software, Propulsion and power systems stakeholders 

• Continually own and refine structures and sub-system deliverables as scheduled throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

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

• 3+ years of management experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis teams 

• Proven success in leading large-scale engineering projects from conception to completion, ideally within the space or aerospace industry 

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 

Nice to Have 

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace structures 

• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of engineers 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication and collaboration skills, with a history of working in cross-functional teams and engaging with external partners and stakeholders 

• Deep direct experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team  

• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $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.

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.