RF Engineering Technician

Senior RF Engineering Technician

Los Angeles, CA

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

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

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

You will support development of K2's RF and Avionics systems for the Mega Class satellite and future design versions of the spacecraft. You will serve as a key hands-on liaison supporting development, assembly, integration and test of our advanced satellite avionics systems.

Responsibilities

• Build, route, and terminate RF and Avionics harnesses, including coax assemblies and high-frequency connectors to K2 specifications or industry standards
• Set up and execute RF and Avionics tests using spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters to validate system performance
• Support testing campaigns from integration through environmental test and ATP, including documentation of test configurations, calibration data, and results
• Assemble electromechanical assemblies and assist development of production processes for first time builds
• Work closely with engineering to troubleshoot issues on RF and Avionics hardware
• Collaborate with RF, Electrical, and Mechanical engineers during development and prototyping builds to inform design and verify performance
• Mentor junior technicians and support standardization of RF and Avionics test
• Ensure compliance with cleanroom, ESD, and safety protocols
• Maintain test lab equipment, manage inventory of test consumables, and work on 5S improvement projects

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in environmental testing preferably in the aerospace industry
• Experience with small to medium RF parts and components
• Must be able to read drawings, test procedures, and schematics to build and test hardware
• Experience working in a highly iterative production environment and ability to adapt
• Ability to operate autonomously and make decisions in real-time during testing operations
• Excellent organization and communication skills with attention to detail during data analysis, reporting, and presenting findings to engineers
• Familiarity with MES/ERP software
• Proficiency with the use of lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, LABVIEW, etc)

Additional Requirements

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

Nice to Have

• Experience in a fast-paced production development environment
• Experience with in-space electro-mechanical assemblies
• Experience with anechoic chamber maintenance

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $38 – $48 + equity in the company
• Compensation 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.