K2 Space

Senior Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · Senior

No sponsorship$135k-$175kDetected 15 days ago

TypeScriptProject ManagementAvionicsSystems EngineeringCommunication

About the role

As a Senior Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2's satellite bus platform.
In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans that ensure successful mission execution.
The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with National Security customers and stakeholders.

Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.
Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration. Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
Development, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.
Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans. Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements, and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle.
Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.
You'll support the entire program lifecycle - from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.
You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones.
Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.

Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
8+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
Hands-on spacecraft integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply!
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).

Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T.

Base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $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

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.
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.
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person

This listing is sourced directly from K2 Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.