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Avionics HITL & Test Technician

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 ($200M 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 contribute to the build and development of avionics and software test assets for major satellite subsystems and vehicle simulation. This role will be the owner of avionics hardware installation, wire harnessing, test rack fabrication, and HITL (Hardware-In-The-Loop) test bed build and maintenance. As an essential part of the Research & Development technician team, you will demonstrate diverse proficiencies across avionics products, production and industry build fundamentals, and a high level of attention to detail to ensure quality and reliability of electrical components and systems. 

Responsibilities 

  • Support full build and maintenance of HITL (Hardware-In-The-Loop) test assets, including installation of avionics hardware, manufacturing and routing of wire harnesses, and fabrication of load simulators  
  • Assemble production test racks for HITL, acceptance testing, and qualification of flight hardware 
  • Follow engineering procedures to perform electrical checkouts such as continuity, discontinuity, and multimeter measurements on components and vehicle systems 
  • Assist design engineering throughout the hardware development and pre-production  
    stages by supporting specification development, component assembly and process validation testing 
  • Work autonomously and coordinate cross-functionally with various engineering and technician team to meet high pace schedule and quality requirements 
  • Successfully use an array of hand, power, and pneumatic mechanical tools to build fixtures, interfacing panels, and tooling assemblies 

Qualifications 

  • 5+ years of experience assembling, integrating, and testing electronic hardware in the aerospace industry 
  • 1+ years of SMT/through-hole soldering, using electronics equipment, and assembling test racks 
  • Demonstrated skill and proficiency in soldering and crimping as well as assembling cable harnesses and connectors 

Nice to Have 

  • IPC Certified for PCB and cable harness rework (IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620) 
  • Hand soldering ability that meets IPC J-STD-001 
  • Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures 
  • Experience performing crimping, wire stripping, continuity testing, connector pin outs, and routing and tie wrapping 
  • Ability to drill and tap holes, and use common shop equipment such as drill press, grinders, and band saws 
  • Ability to create, read, review, and redline electrical and test rack schematics 
  • Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems 
  • Experience developing or writing company specifications and qualifying build methods for production around wire harness, test rack fabrication, and integration 

Additional Requirements 

  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed 
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces 
  • Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $28 - $40 + equity in the company 
  • Compensation 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.

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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.

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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