Bus Vehicle Lead

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


As a Vehicle Lead in Platform (Bus) Engineering at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving the overall development and integration of our satellite bus for mission success. You will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting as a deputy program manager internally and with customers. You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time. As a vehicle lead for specific missions, you will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch.


In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.


If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering world class satellite solutions, we want you on our team.


Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Develop and manage engineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation, and mission success.
• Strategic Development: Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Program Execution: Drive engineering and flight readiness activities to meet mission and contract commitments.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical changes, and mitigate risks.
• Customer Engagement: Engage with customers to ensure technical compliance and successful mission integration.
• Systems Development: Establish and improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth.
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline
• 4+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 2+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams
• Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline
• 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 4+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
• Experience leading Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, test, and/or launch across multiple departments
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures
• Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions
• Familiarity with contracts and mission requirements evaluations
• Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $185,000 + 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.