Senior Development Test 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 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  

Q ualifications  

• 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  

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.