Security Engineer, Operations

Security Engineer, Operations

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 be on the front lines of protecting the systems, data, and teams that make high-powered satellites a reality. You'll dive into real-world security operations – monitoring alerts, investigating incidents, and hunting for threats to ensure our corporate and mission-critical environments stay resilient and secure. Every alert you investigate, every vulnerability you remediate, and every improvement you implement directly enables Engineers and Operators to move fast, innovate, and push the boundaries of space technology. This is hands-on, high-impact work where your expertise safeguards the foundation of our missions and keeps K2 Space moving boldly forward.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts, logs, and events from SIEM, endpoint, network, and cloud systems, identifying and escalating potential threats
• Respond to and assist in the investigation of security incidents, including containment, remediation, and root-cause analysis
• Maintain and operate security tooling, including endpoint protection, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanners, and cloud security monitoring systems
• Support firewall, VPN, and network access controls under guidance from senior or principal engineers
• Assist with identity and access management operations, including user provisioning, de-provisioning, and access reviews
• Perform vulnerability scans and assist in tracking remediation efforts across corporate IT systems
• Collaborate with IT, networking, and engineering teams to implement security recommendations and corrective actions
• Maintain and update technical documentation, incident reports, and standard operating procedures
• Participate in threat hunting, anomaly detection, and proactive security exercises
• Assist in security awareness initiatives by reporting common issues and promoting best practices among users

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in security operations or engineering roles preferably in a fast-paced startup or technology environment
• 2+ years of development experience with any modern programming language (including but not limited to Python, C++, Rust, Go) in lieu of a degree; OR a bachelor's degree in security engineering, cyber security, computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline
• Knowledge of operating systems, current equipment and technologies, networking, security best practices, and system performance monitoring tools
• Comfortable working with mission critical and sensitive systems, with a sense of urgency appropriate with responsibilities
• Due to the high visibility of this position, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in computer science or engineering
• Technical certifications (i.e., Network+, MCSE, Security+)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $90,000 – $125,000 and 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.