Principal Radiation Effects Engineer

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 willplay acriticalrole inthe qualification,implementationand reliabilityof our satellite’s avionics hardware in the most intense radiation environments of space. You will own the rapid development ofcomponent,boardand subsystem level radiation test setups that you will execute at national labs across the country, while growing the team’s capabilities through test rack and automation development to keep up withourgrowing business needs. Through detailed analysis and reporting of your test results, you will inform hardware designers and mission planners of how to confidentlyoperateour satellites to meet ourCommercial,NationalSecurity and science customer’s needs.You willdemonstrateexcellenttest engineering fundamentals andahigh levelof attention to detail to ensureour hardwareand test capabilities are second to none. Prior experience in radiation effects testing is preferred but not required; strong electrical lab skills and a willingness to learn are essential. Responsibilities Lead cradle-to-graveradiation test campaigns(SEE, TID,DDD and materials)throughcoordinating test facilities/dates, designingelectricaltest setups,writing test procedures,executing tests, and documenting results Design, fabricate, and assembleproductionqualitytest racks, basic PCBAs, and cableharnesses Troubleshoot, repair, andmodifyelectronic components, assemblies, parts, and systems Performtests andcheckouts usingstandard labequipment such as programmable power supplies, ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, DMM, SMU, logic analyzers and DAQs. Develop basic testautomation,datacollectionand analysisscripts in Python Ownthescheduling and prioritization ofcomponent, board and subsystem radiation testing to support the hardware and vehicle lifecycle Flash firmware and perform software loadverificationsunderthedirection of engineeringteam members Build fixtures and toolingusingan array of hand, power, and pneumatic mechanical tools Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related science, technology, engineeringfieldor 3+ years of professionalexperience assembling, integrating, and testing electrical components,assembliesand/orhardware in the aerospace industry 10+ years of experience in the radiation effects testing (TID, SEE, proton, heavy ion, gamma, neutron, etc.) Ability to set up and run common electrical measurements (voltage, current, timing, digital I/O) Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, SMUs, function generators, or logic analyzers Experience creating tools to generate and analyze radiation environments Experience managing radiation risk and program requirement track Nice to Have Familiarity withdesigning circuits and setups aroundcommoncomponentssuch astransistors,regulators, digital/analogcomponentsand RF devices Familiarity of radiation effects on semiconductor devices, including how to mitigate common failure modes Demonstrated ability in soldering and crimping as well as assembling cable harnesses and connectors Demonstrated ability to document work clearly and follow structured test processes Familiarity with FPGA or microcontroller-based test systemsExperience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies,fixturesand test racks Ability to c reate, read, review, and redline electrical and test rack schematics Experience developing modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, C++, Rust,Python,Visual Studio,etc. Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail Strong communicationskills with ability to communicate hardware,systems, and schedulingproblemsand solutions Additional Requirements Must be available to travelup to 25% of the yearto supportradiationtests Valid Driver's license Compensation and Benefits Salary range for this exempt role is $100,000 - $210,000 + equity in the company Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limitedto:knowledge and skills, education, and experience level Comprehensive benefits package includingpaid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many otherperks 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. 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. 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! #J-18808-Ljbffr K2 Space