Spacecraft Paint Technician

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space. 

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits. 

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger 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 C space startup, we’d love for you to apply. 

The Role 

You will support the development of Mega Class Satellite coating capabilities. This role will be responsible for applying coatings to flight hardware and help stand up a new paint department supporting multiple systems. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with space-rated coatings and understanding of surface preparation and finishing requirements.  

Responsibilities 

• Apply aerospace-grade coatings using various methods including HVLP spray, conventional spray, brush, dip, or specialized processes wearing necessary PPE 
• Prepare and treat hardware surfaces by sanding, masking, stripping, abrasion, and precision cleaning methods 
• Mix, verify, and track materials in the MES system (ratios, viscosity, expiration, batch traceability)  
• Inspect and verify coatings DFT, coverage, tolerances and perform touch-ups as needed 
• Ensure compliance to engineering drawings, specifications, and procedure work instructions 
• Support setup of paint/coatings workcenter, including equipment, process development, and workflow 
• Move and handle hardware safely, support inventory and help maintain accurate documentation  
• Work closely with engineering on R&D efforts to develop and improve coating processes 
• Support other production and development operations across the manufacturing floor  

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent certification 

• 4+ years of relevant industry experience  

• Experience working with engineering teams in development and production environments 

• Demonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities  

• Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements 

Nice to Have 

• Strong computer skills, familiar with the full suite of Microsoft Office products 
• Experience in aerospace or automotive manufacturing environments 
• Experience operating forklifts and other material handling equipment 
• Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T) 

Additional Requirements 

• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls 
• Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted 
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time 
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed 

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.