K2 Space
MAKING PREVIOUSLY IMPOSSIBLE MISSIONS POSSIBLE
K2 Space maximizes the amount of power, mass and volume that can be deployed with today's launch vehicle.
We're looking for curious and passionate team members capable of relentless first principles thinking who share our vision for a more ambitious future in space. Join our team for the opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative space startup environment!
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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 be responsible for the design & validation of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave electronics to be hosted on some of the largest, most powerful, rapidly designed, and rapidly manufactured satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months, you will work with a multidisciplinary team of antenna, RF, field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processing (DSP), software, mechanical, and electrical engineers in order to prototype your systems and refine your designs. In your first two years you will have contributed to developing cutting-edge RF systems that will fly in space.
Responsibilities
- Lead research, design, and procurement of antenna systems
- Qualify radio-frequency and antenna hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC)
- Assist with design and validation testing for radio-frequency and microwave hardware from UHF through Ka band, including antennas, low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, filters, high-speed converters, and other RF electronic components
- Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
- Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to integrate your designs into the spacecraft system
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer, electrical, aerospace engineering, or other relevant science, technology, or mathematics discipline
- 8+ years of experience in microwave, RF, or antenna engineering
- Experience with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzer, etc.
- Experience with anechoic chambers and antenna measurement assets such as near field scanners
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and high velocity start-up atmosphere
Nice to Have
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a field related to antenna design and analysis
- Experience with environmental testing for space electronics such as thermal, vibration, TVAC, radiation, and EMI/EMC testing per standards such as SMC-S-016
- Experience with RF systems testing, including antenna characterization and insertion loss tests
- Experience with antenna and electromagnetic modeling and analysis software tools such as Ansys Electronics Desktop HFSS and Altair FEKO
- Experience with software defined radio hardware development including high speed RF data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $270,000 + 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 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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
As an RF Payload Program Manager in National Security Programs at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving mission success and shaping our growing portfolio of National Security space programs. Serving as the primary interface with our emerging and existing customers, you will lead programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations.
In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.
If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering impactful National Security capabilities, we want you on our team.
Responsibilities
- Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Space’s technology offerings.
- Strategic Business Development: Shape new opportunities and architectures by collaborating with stakeholders, defining program requirements, and aligning efforts with long-term strategic objectives.
- Program Execution: Oversee all aspects of programs from contract award through integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations, ensuring mission success and contract fulfillment.
- Proposal & Contract Management: Lead proposal efforts, ensuring technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with long-term engineering objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical and contractual changes, and mitigate risks.
- Customer Engagement & Advocacy: Lead customer reviews, deliver technical briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders.
- Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or operations of government programs.
- Deep understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline.
- 10+ program management, project management, systems engineering, or operations.
- Experience with Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test.
- Experience with management or program leadership.
- Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures.
- Experience working in the US national security community as a service member, civil servant, or contractor
- Experience with contracts and contract negotiations
- Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $185,000 + 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 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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
As a Spacecraft Program Manager in National Security Programs at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving mission success and shaping our growing portfolio of National Security space programs. Serving as the primary interface with our emerging and existing customers, you will lead programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations.
In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.
If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering impactful National Security capabilities, we want you on our team.
Responsibilities
- Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Space’s technology offerings.
- Strategic Business Development: Shape new opportunities and architectures by collaborating with stakeholders, defining program requirements, and aligning efforts with long-term strategic objectives.
- Program Execution: Oversee all aspects of programs from contract award through integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations, ensuring mission success and contract fulfillment.
- Proposal & Contract Management: Lead proposal efforts, ensuring technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with long-term engineering objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical and contractual changes, and mitigate risks.
- Customer Engagement & Advocacy: Lead customer reviews, deliver technical briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders.
- Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or operations of government programs.
- Deep understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline.
- 10+ program management, project management, systems engineering, or operations.
- Experience with Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test.
- Experience with management or program leadership.
- Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures.
- Experience working in the US national security community as a service member, civil servant, or contractor
- Experience with contracts and contract negotiations
- Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $185,000 + 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 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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
As a Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you’ll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2’s satellite bus platform. You’ll support the entire program lifecycle – from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.
In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans that ensure successful mission execution. You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones.
The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with National Security customers and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration. Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
- Development, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.
- Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans. Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements, and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts. Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
- 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
- Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
- Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- Experience working directly with National Security customers.
- 5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
- Hands-on spacecraft integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred; willing to pursue and maintain a clearance if not already cleared.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 + 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 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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
As a Mission Lead Engineer within National Security Programs, you’ll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we develop and shape mission architectures for future and ongoing opportunities to host advanced payload capabilities onto K2’s satellite bus platform. You’ll primarily support mission-level engineering for early technical engagement, requirements formulation and negotiation, concept and architecture studies, payload-to-bus compatibility, proposal-phase activities, and program execution.
In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and architect missions (mechanical, software, power, avionics, etc.) and ensure alignment to K2 Space’s technology and capabilities. You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, study reviews, and technical negotiations.
The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with National Security customers and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Define, mature, and negotiate mission concepts. Support initial payload integration studies, mission analysis, system architecture trades, system integration designs, and concept of operations development.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation for system architecture, payload interface designs, spacecraft design capabilities and requirements, and concepts of operations to ensure customer requirements and architectures align with K2 Space’s technology offerings.
- Serve as the primary technical interface for early customer engagement. Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in TEMs and study reviews, ensure customer requirements are understood, and ensure the customer understands the extent of K2 Space’s capabilities.
- Coordinate cross-functional early study efforts. Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure solutions are practical and executable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 5+ Years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft or space systems
- Direct experience designing, developing, integrating or testing spacecraft or space systems.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, space system architectures, and mission modeling and simulation.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree or above in an engineering discipline.
- 10+ Years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads
- Experience working directly with National Security customers and systems
- Satellite constellation modeling, simulation and analysis experience and intuitive understanding of multibody dynamics
- Payload performance modeling and analysis (Electro Optical, Radio Frequency, Infrared, Communications, Networking, Position Navigation and timing etc)
- Deep understanding of national security enterprise ground systems and architectures including command and control, networking, tasking, planning, scheduling, processing, dissemination, and tracking software architectures
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $250,000 + 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 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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 be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for communication systems and beyond to be hosted on some of the biggest, most powerful, rapidly designed and rapidly manufactured satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months you will architect, develop, own, test, and integrate new DSP algorithms and software defined radio (SDR) systems for satellite communications and beyond. You will work with a team of fellow RF, FPGA, software, mechanical, and electrical engineers in order to prototype your systems and refine your designs. In your first two years you will have flown your system in space.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of DSP algorithms for embedded devices and SDRs
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of software and hardware engineers to develop software defined radio systems
- Act as technical leader and subject-matter expert helping to teach, grow, and mentor others in the team
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field
- 8+ years of experience in RF digital communications and DSP systems
- Strong knowledge of DSP concepts such as: modems, channelizers, Doppler compensation, resampling signal processing, adaptive filtering, and floating vs fixed point implementations
- Strong knowledge of digital communications theory and systems including: spread spectrum, forward error correction, channel estimation, channel equalization, channel coding, and modulation types such as FSK, BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and PCM/FM
- Strong experience with signal detection topologies including: burst detection, digital up and down-conversion, IF signal processing, phase lock loops, costas loops, non-coherent detection, spreading and de-spreading algorithms
- Strong experience in developing filter topologies including FIR filters, IIR filters, and trading between both implementations
- Strong experience implementing transmitting and receiving topologies in GNU Radio in simulation-only environments as well as coupled with GNU Radio-compatible SDRs
- Strong experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and high velocity start-up atmosphere
Nice to Have
- Experience with FPGA design, implementation, verification, and validation for RF applications
- Experience with signal intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and satellite telecommunications
- Experience with channel emulators, and writing system-level simulations that go beyond the DSP layer
- Experience with software defined radio hardware development including data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces
- Experience with coupled hardware and DSP algorithm design, specifically with respect to compensation and continuous monitoring of analog-front end characteristics
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $270,000 + 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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space
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.
Stay Connected with K2 Space for Future Job Openings Across Engineering
We’re on a mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space systems and large-scale satellite platforms. Even when we don’t have a specific opening listed, we’re always eager to connect with innovators, builders, and problem-solvers who share our passion for making space more accessible.
This is not a job application—it’s a way for you to raise your hand and say, “Keep me in the loop.” By joining our talent community, you’ll:
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Receive occasional updates about K2 Space projects, milestones, and future opportunities.
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Be among the first to know when a role opens that might align with your skills and interests.
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Stay engaged with our growing network of space enthusiasts and professionals.
Who Should Join
We welcome anyone excited about space technology and exploration—engineers, operators, mission designers, business minds, creatives, and everyone in between—who want to be part of K2 Space’s journey.
How to Join
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Fill out our brief interest form below.
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Share a resume and a quick note about your skills, passions, or areas of interest.
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We’ll keep you on our radar for future opportunities and updates.
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.
Ready to apply?
Apply to K2 Space