The Role 

The materials that go into K2's solar arrays — from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites — directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Collaborating across the engineering and production teams, you will own the success of the materials selections and their implementations that will be key to our successful satellite operation. 

You will define how K2 selects, qualifies, and scales materials and processes for its solar array systems and other subsystems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the success of implementation of material systems in the development while scaling of K2’s solar array design. 

Responsibilities 

• Serve as a Responsible M&P engineer for our satellite bus structures, mechanisms, thermal, electrical, and solar array systems, including adhesives, sealants, cover glass and coatings 
• Partner with experienced M&P engineers to help define the strategy and qualification philosophy for satellite materials spanning LEO to deep space mission environments 
• Research, trade, and select conventional and novel materials and processes for various novel applications   
• Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns that establish material performance margins across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments 
• Lead design reviews, continually own system-level M&P deliverables, and drive development schedules with accurate projections looking 12+ months ahead 
• Collaborate with solar, structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define material-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review 
• Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related anomalies, establishing corrective action processes that feed back into design and production 
• Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including incoming inspection criteria, lot acceptance requirements, and supply chain risk mitigation 
• Author, implement, and maintain M&P requirements, material and process specifications, technical specifications, and engineering work standards related to solar array materials and others used on throughout the spacecraft 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline 
• 2+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, with demonstrated depth in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development 
• Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs 

Nice to Have 

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field 
• Experience architecting M&P programs for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle — requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, qualification, production, and on-orbit data analysis 
• Background working across multiple solar array material systems with variations in cell technology, interconnect metallurgy, encapsulant chemistry, and substrate architecture 
• Deep understanding of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, thermal interface materials, and coatings as applied to high-power, long-life solar arrays 
• Familiarity with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for the qualification of solar modules, materials usage, and spacecraft charging effects 
• Experience with radiation effects on solar materials, including displacement damage dose modeling, ionization effects, UV degradation, and atomic oxygen erosion 
• Expertise in key M&P disciplines including fracture mechanics, corrosion control, fluid/outgassing compatibility, descriptive and inferential statistics, and failure analysis 
• Proficiency with material characterization techniques and tools (SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, or equivalent) 
• Experience scaling material processes from prototype to high-rate production, including SPC implementation and manufacturing equipment qualification 
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including soldering, wire bonding, welding, lamination, heat treatment, plating, conversion coatings, and surface modification 
• Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data analysis and degradation modeling 
• Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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 

The Role 

The processes that go into developing K2's solar arrays — from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites — directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path. 

You will develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes for K2's solar array systems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the execution of process development for material systems and novel manufacturing processes as we scale K2's solar array design into production. 

Responsibilities 

• Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2 solar array processes — including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, coating, bonding, mechanism joints, and surface treatment 

• Research, evaluate, and support selection of conventional and novel processes for solar array applications, contributing to trades that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and schedule 

• Design and execution of structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions 

• Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify sources of variation and opportunities for yield improvement 

• Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related anomalies 

• Establish and drive corrective action plans back into design requirements and production 

• Own the evaluation, cost/benefit analysis, and selection of manufacturing equipment for all in-house process development 

• Collaborate with the production team to develop process specifications, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests 

• Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns to establish resultant performance across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments 

• Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define manufacturing process-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review 

• Mentor junior engineers on process engineering fundamentals and solar array manufacturing best practices 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline 

• 5+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, with a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles 

• Hands-on experience with material characterization, testing, and process development for hardware applications 

Nice to Have 

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field 

• Prior experience developing and qualifying manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle — requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, qualification, production, and on-orbit data review 

• Hands-on experience across multiple solar array material systems, with variation in cell technology, interconnect methodology, encapsulant chemistry, and system architecture 

• Deep working knowledge of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, thermal interface materials, and coatings as applied to high-power, long-life solar array hardware 

• Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for solar module qualification, materials usage, and spacecraft charging effects 

• Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials — displacement damage dose modeling, ionizing effects, UV degradation, and atomic oxygen erosion 

• Depth across solar process disciplines including deposition techniques for anti-reflective coatings, chemical etching for bond preparation, encapsulant deposition, methods for corrosion control, outgassing compatibility, descriptive and inferential statistics, and failure analysis 

• Hands-on proficiency with material characterization tools: SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, or equivalent 

• Experience scaling manufacturing processes from prototype to high-rate production, including SPC implementation and manufacturing equipment qualification 

• Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data analysis and degradation modeling 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + 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 

The Role 

Solar power isn’t a subsystem at K2, it’s the capability that makes everything else possible. Our arrays are what allow us to operate at power levels no satellite has ever sustained, across the most demanding orbits in the solar system. Getting that right, at scale, is one of the most consequential engineering challenges in the company.  

As Head of Solar, you’ll own it entirely. From early-stage technology development and module innovation through design maturation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance – the solar array program is yours to build and lead. You will grow a cross-functional organization spanning design, analysis, manufacturing, and integration, and set the technical direction and operational cadence needed to meet our most ambitious cost, schedule, and reliability targets. 

The missions we’re building toward are unlike anything the industry has flown: extreme radiation environments, multi-year lifetimes, and production volumes that demand manufacturing infrastructure built for rate and not one-off heroics. This is a rare opportunity to define what world-class solar engineering looks like inside a vertically integrated space company, and to build the team and systems that make it real. 

Responsibilities 

• Build, scale, and lead the Solar Engineering organization across design, manufacturing, process, and automation disciplines 

• Own the solar hardware technical baseline end-to-end: from array and module design through process qualification, tooling and automation infrastructure, and flight-ready production delivery 

• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, including hands-on testing, analysis, and iterative design refinement 

• Identify and invest in transformative technologies that unlock step-change improvements in rate, reliability, and unit economics 

• Set the strategic direction for how solar hardware is designed and manufactured at scale, establishing the systems, processes, and standards that enable high-rate production 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 

• Represent Solar Engineering at the executive level driving alignment on technical direction, risk, and program execution 

Qualifications 

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

• 8+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis in solar or electro-mechanical systems 

• 4+ years of experience building and leading large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams including managing managers and developing senior ICs across multiple functional areas 

• Demonstrated ability to own a complex engineering function end-to-end through major program phases, from development and design iteration through production ramp and sustained delivery 

• Executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills 

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 

Nice to Have 

• Direct experience leading solar array engineering for space applications, spanning design, module interconnect processes, module lamination, integrated PVA construction, and flight array integration 

• Demonstrated background scaling a multi-disciplinary engineering organization from early-stage development to full-rate production in a high-reliability or aerospace environment 

• Hands-on background in robotics, vision-guided assembly, or electromechanical controls for manufacturing applications 

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

• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of piece part, component, and subsystem testing across electromechanical systems. You will lead projects and help stand-up infrastructure to support the core testing and production infrastructure. In your first 6 months, you will define production test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns, along with ramping production throughput. You will drive best practices by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team. This role will include ownership all of the way from low-rate research and development through high-rate production lines.  

Responsibilities 

• Own kickoff, design, fabrication, build, activation, data collection, and conclusion/results for both development tests and production testing at rate 

• Design test hardware, fixturing, and tooling using CAD, schematic tools, electrical analysis, and hand calculations 

• Demonstrate best practices for activating test assets, operating test equipment, instrumentation, and executing tests in a safe and organized manner 

• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during test campaigns and production buildout 

• Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization 

• Lead improvements to testing standards with company-wide impact by creating tools, methods, and processes 

• Guide and mentor team members with designs, workload, scheduling, and communication 

Qualifications 

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

• 5+ years of industry experience with electromechanical test, design, and analysis 

• Experience designing, building, and testing electromechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 

• Experience with CAD, FEA, or Electrical analysis software packages 

• Proficiency with test automation and standard software tools (such as Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW) 

• Hands-on fabrication experience 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ, light IV towers, hipot machines) 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T and schematic generation 

• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 

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

• Demonstrated understanding of electrical and electromechanical analysis and failure modes of complex systems in space environments and operations 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + 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 

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production. 

You will drive the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation — you will tackle these challenges with the full resources and support of K2. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis 

• Develop and maintain electrical performance degradation models across environment variations including radiation, thermal cycling, and UV exposure 

• Define and execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures 

• Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on solar system requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review 

• Support design reviews, own subsystem deliverables, and maintain accurate development schedules out to 9+ months 

• Drive manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including evaluation of manufacturing equipment, development of work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing 

• Work with the production team to develop factory layouts and processes that enable high-rate solar array builds 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field  

• 5+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with solar array system development for space applications, including requirements definition, design, development testing, manufacturing, and qualification 

• Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications 

• Familiarity with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects 

• Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to radiation environments 

• Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes for complex mechanical systems in space environments 

• Understanding of high-voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of custom tooling and structures that will be key to our satellite production and operations. In your first year at K2, you’ll work closely with the production teams to help shape build process decisions, architect tooling systems, and execute on individual tools that will support scaling our manufacturing and operations rate and support performing large-scale qualification testing for our multi-ton spacecraft. You will implement and deliver tooling solutions via a combination of hands-on build and collaboration with in-house and out-of-house fabrication resources. Throughout the process you will be hands-on support, educating end customer teams and validating tool performance alongside them. You’ll have an opportunity to help shape the company’s foundational tooling strategies and processes as we look forward to our mass-abundant goals. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and fabricate tooling and material handling systems for K2 Space satellite bus and associated systems and subsystems 

• Lead development of satellite subsystem production fixtures from project kickoff through production and beyond 

• Drive hands-on development tooling development, sizing and structural analysis of ground support equipment, and continuous improvement of tooling and production operations 

• Support the development of ground test setups, flight hardware, development fixtures, and external customer tooling needs 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, tooling methods and project development schedules  

Qualifications 

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting) 

• 5+ years of industry experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis 

• Hands-on fabrication experience  

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

Nice to Have 

• Experience with shipping, materials handling, and clean room operations 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 

• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh) 

• 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 

• Experience with actuators, controls, data acquisition, and dedicated test or automation equipment (examples include actuated positioning tools, motor dynos, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ) 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + 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. 

The Role 

You will own the success of the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanical requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased electromechanical subsystems, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration. 

Responsibilities 

• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs 

• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond 

• Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations 

• Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 

• Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

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

• 10+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis  

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages  

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids 

• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback 

Nice to Have 

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

• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies 

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting  

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

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $185,000 – $200,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

As Principal Development Test Engineer, you will own the success of testing mechanical structures, materials, and electromechanical subsystems that will be key to our satellite operation. You will anticipate company needs and stand-up infrastructure to support the core and future business. In your first 6 months, you will define large-scale development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive company-wide best practices and make a large positive impact on the success of the K2 Space by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and fabricate test hardware, test stands, and test systems, as well as execute development tests for structures, components, and materials in order to support internal and external customer needs 
• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff through test report and beyond 
• Drive hands on hardware development testing, analysis processing/data reduction, and continuous improvement of testing methods and best practices across the company 
• Steer the development of data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems at the integrated level and develop internal tools and company-wide best practices 
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods and project test schedules, and mentor early-career engineers  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 
• 8+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis 
• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 
• Hands-on fabrication experience 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ) 
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 
• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 
• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh) 
• Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW) 
• 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 
• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits

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

The Role 

K2’s plan doesn't stop at satellite buses. Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious remote sensing payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform – the payloads are the mission. 

There are any number of space-based optical payloads that can generate value here on Earth (ex. forest fire detection, climate and atmospheric monitoring, etc.) and further planetary science in our solar system (ex. hyper-spectral imaging, laser-altimetry) -- all of which benefit from precisely steered and stabilized large aperture optical systems for collecting and transmitting optical energy from the UV to the infrared. 

As Principal Mechanisms Engineer, you will be responsible for defining how K2 designs, manufactures, tests, integrates, and deploys coarse pointing assemblies for large aperture optical payloads. The development timelines and manufacturing scale that we are targeting will require meaningful innovation, but you will have the resources and full support of K2 to make this possible and help raise the bar for the next generation of space technology companies. 
 
Responsibilities 

Responsible for delivering the... 

(1) design and tolerancing; 

(2) line-of-sight error budgeting and stabilization analysis; 

(3) environmental test and qualification plan; 

(4) supply chain and high-volume manufacturing plans; and  

(5) ground- and in-flight performance validation plans 

... for coarse pointing assemblies supporting large aperture (0.1m - 1m diameter) optical  payloads

• Collaborate with the optical and satellite bus teams to determine the optimal set of requirements for optical payload coarse pointing assemblies 

• Own the top-level CAD assembly for the optical payloads that you work on and work closely with the satellite structures team to determine optimal placement on the bus 

• Prepare design reviews for your mechanisms to get stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations to the other hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams 

• Continually own and refine program deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production 

• Responsible for the evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment for specialty processes

• Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests that ensure successful builds 

Qualifications 

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

• 8+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optomechanics, electromechanical mechanisms, or electrical/mechanical design and testing 

• Deep experience with CAD and FEA software packages (examples/ NX, Simcenter, FEMAP, and/or Hypermesh) 

• Minimum 3+ years of experience working with one or more computer programing languages (examples: Python, Rust, C++, and/or MATLAB) 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with precision optical mechanisms — specifying requirements, trading gimbal / head-mirror / nested coarse-fine architectures, quantifying mechanism error, and validating pointing performance at the system level 

• Deep knowledge of 2-axis gimbal design for space applications, including bearing selection and preload, structural design, drive mechanisms, angular runout, and long-life operation in vacuum 

• Experience closing line-of-sight performance budgets through analysis, controls integration, and test — including structural dynamics, tolerance stack-up, jitter analysis, pointing calibration, and environmental qualification 

• Familiarity with precision actuation, sensing, and control technologies for space mechanisms, including encoders, resolvers, gyros / IMUs, and feedforward / closed-loop control approaches 

• Experience designing harness routing, cable wraps, slip rings, and other cable-management approaches for continuously or widely rotating mechanisms, including routing optical fibers through moving axes while managing bend radius, strain relief, and pointing disturbance 

• Experience leading mechanism hardware through the full product life cycle: requirements generation, architecture trades, detailed design, prototype builds, assembly / integration / test, productionizing, and flight validation 

• Experience contributing to spacecraft-level alignment and calibration planning for optical pointing mechanisms, including coordination with optical, GNC, and systems teams to relate mechanism reference frames to payload, spacecraft, and star-tracker coordinate systems 

• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

The processes that go into developing K2's solar arrays — from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites — directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path. 

You will define how K2 selects, qualifies, and scales manufacturing processes for its solar array systems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the success of implementation of material systems and novel manufacturing processes in the development and scaling of K2’s solar array design and production. 

Responsibilities 

• Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2’s solar array processes — including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, coating, bonding, mechanism joints, and surface treatment 

• Research, evaluate, and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications, driving trades that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and schedule 

• Design and execution of structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions 

• Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify sources of variation and opportunities for yield improvement 

• Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related anomalies 

• Establish and drive corrective action plans back into design requirements and production 

• Own the evaluation, cost/benefit analysis, and selection of manufacturing equipment for all in-house process development 

• Collaborate with the production team to develop process specifications, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests 

• Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns to establish resultant performance across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments 

• Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define manufacturing process-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review 

• Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables 

• Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge and best practices for solar array hardware at production scale 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline 

• 8+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, with demonstrated depth in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development 

• Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs 

Nice to Have 

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field 

• Prior experience architecting manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle — requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, qualification, production, and on-orbit data review 

• Hands-on experience across multiple solar array material systems, with variation in cell technology, interconnect methodology, encapsulant chemistry, and system architecture 

• Deep working knowledge of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, thermal interface materials, and coatings as applied to high-power, long-life solar array hardware 

• Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for solar module qualification, materials usage, and spacecraft charging effects 

• Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials — displacement damage dose modeling, ionizing effects, UV degradation, and atomic oxygen erosion 

• Depth across solar process disciplines including deposition techniques for anti-reflective coatings, chemical etching for bond preparation, encapsulant deposition, methods for corrosion control, outgassing compatibility, descriptive and inferential statistics, and failure analysis. 

• Hands-on proficiency with material characterization tools: SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, or equivalent 

• Experience scaling manufacturing processes from prototype to high-rate production, including SPC implementation and manufacturing equipment qualification 

• Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data analysis and degradation modeling 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $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 paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. You will own the success of the flexible photovoltaic array (PVA) blanket assemblies that power our spacecraft, among the largest solar arrays to ever reach orbit. In your first 6 months you will trade and complete the detailed design and analysis of the PV blanket assembly, participate in solar array build process trades, define development test campaigns, and produce our next generation full-scale development blankets. Within your first year, you will bring the PVA blanket assembly through qualification and drive the integration of flight blankets onto our Mega-class spacecraft. In your first two years, you will lead the design and execution with production teams to support scaling and refined characterization of their on-orbit performance.  

Responsibilities 

• Take flexible photovoltaic array (PVA) blanket assemblies from conceptual, qualification, through to on-orbit operations supporting internal and external customer needs 

• Lead PVA blanket subsystem design reviews covering power and mechanical requirements from kickoff through qualification and beyond 

• Drive hardware development through hands-on prototyping, development testing, analysis correlation, and design iterations 

• Perform trade studies on blanket construction — including substrate materials, cell laydown, interconnect routing, and lamination methods — that steer subsystem and product-level direction 

• Develop and execute component and assembly-level test programs, including coupon characterization, risk reduction, and qualification testing 

• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to blanket fabrication processes, partnering with production on work instructions and end-of-line acceptance tests 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish product requirements, interface definitions, and best practices for blanket design and manufacturing 

• Own and refine subsystem deliverable schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting) 

• 2+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis (internship, team project, graduate research, and extracurricular experience is applicable) 

Nice to Have 

• Experience designing, building, and testing flexible or composite assemblies for aerospace applications — particularly solar array blankets, PV modules, or deployable structures 

• Familiarity with photovoltaic cell handling, interconnect processes (welding, soldering), and lamination techniques for flexible substrates 

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

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Understanding of space environment effects on materials and assemblies — radiation, thermal cycling, UV degradation, atomic oxygen, and vacuum outgassing 

• Exposure to solar array and mechanisms standards such as AIAA S-111, AIAA S-112, or NASA-STD-5017 

• Experience with structural and thermal analysis of thin, flexible structures (CTE mismatch, stowage strain, deployed dynamics) 

• Demonstrated ability to own hardware through rapid design-build-test cycles within an integrated engineering team 

• Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data reduction and analysis 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of the RF-related mechanical structures and any associated mechanisms that will be core RF hardware components for the largest, most powerful satellites in the industry. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanical requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased RF mechanical subsystems, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. To achieve this, you’ll work alongside partners across electrical hardware, test, software, manufacturing, integration, and operations to execute your vision for the highest capability satellite RF mechanical systems in the industry.   

Responsibilities 

• Take RF mechanical hardware from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs 
• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond 
• Drive mechanical hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations 
• Perform hardware trades that steer both RF mechanical sub-system and top-level RF hardware direction 
• Collaborate with a cross-functional RF team to establish mechanical hardware product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 
• Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 
• 2+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis 
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages  
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and thermal solutions 
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback 

Nice to Have 

• Experience designing, building, and testing RF systems, antenna design, and deployment mechanisms for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraftstructures and mechanisms) 
• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies and electronics enclosures 
• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting  
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations 
• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 
• Active Top Secret or Secret clearance with SAP eligibility 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000– $140,000 + equity in the company 
• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of mechanisms that will be key to our satellite operation and performance. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanism requirements, trade architectures and build initial prototypes, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased components, and produce development hardware. In your first year you will validate your designs through prototype iterations in rigorous test campaigns, build, and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will fly your hardware in space while supporting operations, production, and integration teams as we scale. 

Responsibilities 

• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs 
• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond 
• Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations 
• Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction 
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 
• Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 
• Minimum 5+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis  
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 

Nice to Have 

• Experience designing, building, and testing moving mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 
• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies 
• Experience with kinematic synthesis, electromechanical actuation, mechatronics and instrumentation   
• Experience with bearing analysis, preload techniques, and preload measurement 
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 
• Demonstrated ability to own moving mechanism assemblies across the full product lifecycle in a high velocity environment 
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations 
• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company 
• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of component, subsystem, and vehicle level testing across structural, thermal, fluid, dynamic, and electromechanical systems. You will lead projects and help stand-up infrastructure to support the core testing infrastructure. In your first 6 months, you will define development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive best practices by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team. 

Responsibilities 

• Own kickoff, design, fabrication, build, operation, data collection, and conclusion/results for development tests through full vehicle qualification campaigns 

• Design test hardware, fixturing, and tooling using CAD, FEA, and hand calculations 

• Demonstrate best practices for activating test stands, operating test equipment, instrumentation, and executing tests in a safe and organized manner 

• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during test campaigns 

• Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization 

• Anticipate future testing needs by collaborating with test suppliers and performing high impact infrastructure trade studies 

• Lead improvements to testing standards with company-wide impact by creating tools, methods, and processes 

• Guide and mentor team members with designs, workload, scheduling, and communication 

Qualifications 

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

• 5+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis 

• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 

• Hands-on fabrication experience 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ) 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 

• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh) 

• Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW) 

• 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 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and electromechanical subsystems that will be key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will progressively take on larger scope sub-systems while directly supporting production and integration. 

Responsibilities 

• Take satellite mechanical hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs 
• Lead satellite subsystem design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond 
• Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations 
• Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction 
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 
• Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 
• 2+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis (internship, team project, graduate research, and extracurricular experience is applicable) 

Nice to Have 

• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 
• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.) 
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations 
• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $140,000 + 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of custom tooling and structures that will be key to our satellite production. In your first 6 months, you will learn the satellite structure tooling needs, design and build tooling, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate your tooling through manufacture, testing, and production material handling. In your first two years you will progressively take on larger tooling projects while directly supporting production, qualification testing, and flight hardware development. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and fabricate tooling and material handling systems for K2 Space satellite bus and associated systems and subsystems 

• Lead development of satellite subsystem production fixtures from project kickoff through production and beyond 

• Drive hands-on development tooling development, sizing and structural analysis of ground support equipment, and continuous improvement of tooling and production operations 

• Support the development of ground test setups, flight hardware, development fixtures, and external customer tooling needs 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, tooling methods and project development schedules  

Qualifications 

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting) 

• 1+ years of industry experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis 

• Hands-on fabrication experience  

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

Nice to Have 

• Experience with shipping, materials handling, and clean room operations 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 

• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh) 

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.) 

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

• Experience with actuators, controls, data acquisition, and dedicated test or automation equipment (examples include actuated positioning tools, motor dynos, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ)   

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $140,000 + 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of component and subsystem testing across structural, thermal, fluid, dynamic, and electromechanical systems. In your first 6 months, you will define development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead multidisciplinary test campaigns. In your first two years you will progressively take on larger tests while directly supporting production and qualification testing. 

Responsibilities 

• Own kickoff, design, fabrication, build, operation, data collection, and conclusion/results for development tests 

• Design test hardware, fixturing, and tooling using CAD, FEA, and hand calculations 

• Have a hands-on approach to activating test stands, operating test equipment, instrumentation, and executing tests in a safe and organized manner 

• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during test campaigns 

• Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization 

• Continuously improve test standards by creating tools, methods, and processes 

Qualifications 

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages 

• 2+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical design and analysis 

• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms) 

• Hands-on fabrication experience 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ) 

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM 

• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh) 

• Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW) 

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.) 

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

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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 

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical domains; from module technology and electrical power systems to deployment mechanisms, structures, and production — learning from experienced engineers while taking on meaningful ownership of hardware from day one. 

First 6 months: Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and manufacturing process documentation. 

First year: Own specific build and test activities for flight hardware, from assembly through acceptance testing. 

First two years: Contribute to full lifecycle solar array development across multiple vehicle builds, developing expertise in both design and production. 

Responsibilities 

• Support the design and analysis of solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems 

• Assist in the development and maintenance of electrical performance degradation models across environment variations 

• Execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures and document results 

• Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on integration activities and test campaigns 

• Support design reviews with analysis products and test data 

• Contribute to manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing 

• Participate in on-orbit data review and anomaly investigation efforts 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field 

• Internship in at least one of: photovoltaics, power systems, or materials characterization 

• Hands-on hardware experience through internships, research, design competitions, or extracurricular projects 

Nice to Have 

• Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications 

• Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash testing) 

• Familiarity with structural analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent) or thermal analysis tools 

• Familiarity with space environment effects on materials, including radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen 

• Experience with CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and practical GD&T application 

• Exposure to manufacturing processes such as soldering, layup, or electromechanical assembly 

• Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires someone who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production. 

You will define how K2 develops, designs, manufactures, tests, and deploys high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation. You will have the resources and full support of K2 to make this possible and help raise the bar for the next generation of space technology companies. 

Responsibilities 

• Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins. 

• Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization and modelling across environment variations 

• Definition and execution of assembly level acceptance and qualification testing. 

• Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams to define solar system requirements, integrated system qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit operations/data review 

• Lead design reviews, continually own system deliverables, and drive development schedules with accurate projections looking 12+ months ahead in development timeline 

• Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables 

• Responsible for the evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment for specialty processes 

• Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests that ensure successful builds 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field  

• 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications 

Nice to Have 

• Experience architecting solar array systems for space applications; including initial requirement definition, development testing, design, manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data.  

• Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power long-life space applications.  

• Experience with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects. 

• Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to exposure to radiation environments. 

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

• Demonstrated understanding of high voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes. 

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

The Role 

You will own the success of the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanical requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased electromechanical subsystems, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration. 

Responsibilities 

• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs 

• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond 

• Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations 

• Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing 

• Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production 

Qualifications 

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

• 5+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis 

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages  

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T 

• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids 

• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice to Have 

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

• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies 

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting  

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

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 – $175,000 + equity in the company 

• Salary and level 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 

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:

• Receive occasional updates about K2 Space projects, milestones, and future opportunities.

• Be among the first to know when a role opens that might align with your skills and interests.

• 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

1. Fill out our brief interest form below.

2. Share a resume and a quick note about your skills, passions, or areas of interest.

3. We’ll keep you on our radar for future opportunities and updates.