Automation & Controls Engineer

Automation & Controls EngineerLos Angeles, CAK2 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 RoleYou'll be at the heart of bringing the production system to life. K2 has a strong push to vertically integrate our production system, which means you'll work side-by-side with the production and engineering team to concept, develop, and roll out various automation projects to support this vision.This role is built for someone who learns quickly, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to take ownership early. You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into increasingly complex challenges as we push towards higher-rate production in an environment unlike anywhere else.ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers to ensure seamless production automation across hardware and control layersDesign and develop production tooling electromechanical automation assemblies either in-house or through vendorsOwn hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the production line spanning machine design, robotics, computer vision, and other systemsImplement our HMI strategy and PLC automation in a way that makes machines easy to operate with repeatable resultsUnderstand build flow, production reliability, and process control to implement strategies to increase production takt rate and first pass yieldQualificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline2+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environmentStrong hands-on aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floorExposure to precision assembly or electromechanical integration processesAbility to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentationExperience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article buildsNice to HaveHands-on experience with industrial automation hardware & controls, PLC/HMI/Robotics software control stacks, electrical and fluid schematicsExposure to space, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environmentsExperience designing automation systems for manufacturabilityDemonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturingExperience working closely with technicians and build toolingFamiliarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)Compensation and Benefits:Base salary range for this role is $100,000 – $140,000 + equity in the companySalary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience levelComprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perksIf 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 ComplianceAs 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 OpportunityK2 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.