Principal Mechanisms Engineer, Optical

The Role K2’s platform is designed for mass‑producing high‑power satellite buses that can endure harsh radiation environments and operate from LEO to deep space. In this role you will lead the design, manufacturing, testing, integration, and deployment of coarse‑pointing assemblies for large‑aperture optical payloads (0.1 m–1 m diameter). The position requires innovation, cross‑functional collaboration, and end‑to‑end ownership of mechanisms that enable precise stabilization of optical systems. Responsibilities Responsible for delivering the following: Design and tolerancing; Line‑of‑sight error budgeting and stabilization analysis; Environmental testing and qualification plan; Supply chain and high‑volume manufacturing plans; and Ground‑ and in‑flight performance validation plans. Additional duties include: Collaborate with optical and satellite bus teams to determine optimal requirements for coarse‑pointing assemblies. Own the top‑level CAD assembly and work closely with the satellite structures team to determine optimal placement on the bus. Prepare design reviews for mechanisms to gain stakeholder buy‑in and communicate expectations to hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams. Continuously own and refine program deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production. Evaluate and select 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 a related 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 (e.g., NX, Simcenter, FEMAP, Hypermesh). Minimum 3+ years of experience working with one or more computer programming languages (e.g., Python, Rust, C++, MATLAB). Nice to Have Experience with precision optical mechanisms, including gimbal, head‑mirror, or nested coarse‑fine architectures and validating pointing performance. Deep knowledge of 2‑axis gimbal design for space, including bearings, preloads, structural design, drives, angular runout, and long‑life operation in vacuum. Experience closing line‑of‑sight performance budgets through analysis, controls integration, and test (structural dynamics, tolerance stack‑up, jitter analysis, pointing calibration, environmental qualification). Familiarity with precision actuation, sensing, and control technologies (encoders, resolvers, gyros/IMUs, feedforward/closed‑loop control). Experience designing harness routing, cable wraps, slip rings, and other cable‑management approaches for continuously or widely rotating mechanisms. Experience leading mechanisms through the full product life cycle: requirements, architecture, detailed design, prototype, integration, test, production, and flight validation. Experience contributing to spacecraft‑level alignment and calibration planning for optical pointing mechanisms, coordinating with optical, GNC, and systems teams. 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: $175,000 – $200,000 + equity. Salary and level based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Comprehensive benefits package: paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr K2 Space