Technical Writer

🏢 Summary: Engineering leadership role responsible for establishing and enforcing rigorous design review, verification, and configuration management processes to ensure high‑reliability spacecraft systems. The position owns the design reliability framework, formal design signoff authority, and standardized handoff to production for mass‑produced satellite platforms. It focuses on structured, traceable, and requirements‑compliant spacecraft development in a fast‑paced aerospace environment. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer, or related Engineering, 6+ years experience in aerospace or manufacturing, 3+ years experience managing technical projects, trades, or teams, Strong understanding of spacecraft, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems, Experience with design review and verification processes, Experience with configuration management practices, U.S. Person status or eligibility for export control license (ITAR) 📃 Skills: Aerospace, SystemsEngineering, ConfigurationManagement, Verification, Validation, Documentation, RequirementsManagement, Integration, Testing, ITAR 🏢 Description: 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 ensure that every K2 spacecraft is designed, documented, and verified using rigorous, standardized processes that consistently meet requirements and deliver exceptionally reliable flight systems. You will own and continuously improve the design reliability framework for our spacecraft, driving the creation, enforcement, and evolution of design standards across the engineering organization. You will lead development of K2's design review processes, review templates, configuration management practices, and design verification standards, ensuring that each design iteration adheres to high-reliability principles and is validated in a consistent, traceable manner. You will exercise formal design review signoff authority and serve as a key technical gatekeeper during development. As production begins, you will guide a disciplined handoff to Build Reliability, ensuring that manufacturing and test teams inherit well‑documented, fully verified designs. This role is ideal for a systems-minded engineer who thrives on structure, rigor, and enabling teams to build high-powered hardware right the first time. Responsibilities Develop and maintain standardized design review processes, including templates, workflows, and review structures Serve as a design review signoff authority, ensuring all designs meet internal and customer requirements and reliability criteria before release Establish, document, and enforce comprehensive design and verification standards across engineering Define and manage design configuration management practices to ensure controlled, traceable design evolution Drive consistency in requirement interpretation, verification methods, and documentation across all engineering teams Partner with engineering leads to ensure designs are completed in a standard, verified fashion aligned with program requirements Lead and participate in cross-disciplinary reviews to evaluate design readiness, compliance, and verification closure Provide structured and complete design handoffs to Build Reliability as programs transition into production Ensure production and flight lessons learned are systematically captured and incorporated into future design iterations to drive continuous improvement and reliability growth Establish and enforce standardized processes for acceptance and qualification testing to ensure consistent, repeatable, and requirements‑compliant execution Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 3+ 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 10+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 5+ 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 $175,000 - $200,000 + 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.

🏢 Summary: The role focuses on establishing and enforcing rigorous design review, verification, and configuration management processes to ensure high‑reliability spacecraft systems. You will act as a technical gatekeeper with signoff authority, driving standardized design, documentation, and validation practices across engineering and supporting the transition to production. This position suits a systems‑oriented aerospace engineer experienced in structured development and reliability-driven hardware programs. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer, or related Engineering, 4+ years experience in aerospace or manufacturing, 2+ years experience managing technical projects, trades, or teams, Strong knowledge of spacecraft, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems, Experience with design reviews and verification processes, Experience with configuration management practices, Ability to meet ITAR U.S. Person eligibility requirements 📃 Skills: Aerospace, SystemsEngineering, ConfigurationManagement, Verification, Validation, RequirementsManagement, Testing, Manufacturing, ITAR 🏢 Description: 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 ensure that every K2 spacecraft is designed, documented, and verified using rigorous, standardized processes that consistently meet requirements and deliver exceptionally reliable flight systems. You will own and continuously improve the design reliability framework for our spacecraft, driving the creation, enforcement, and evolution of design standards across the engineering organization. You will lead development of K2's design review processes, review templates, configuration management practices, and design verification standards, ensuring that each design iteration adheres to high-reliability principles and is validated in a consistent, traceable manner. You will exercise formal design review signoff authority and serve as a key technical gatekeeper during development. As production begins, you will guide a disciplined handoff to Build Reliability, ensuring that manufacturing and test teams inherit well‑documented, fully verified designs. This role is ideal for a systems-minded engineer who thrives on structure, rigor, and enabling teams to build high-powered hardware right the first time. Responsibilities Develop and maintain standardized design review processes, including templates, workflows, and review structures Serve as a design review signoff authority, ensuring all designs meet internal and customer requirements and reliability criteria before release Establish, document, and enforce comprehensive design and verification standards across engineering Define and manage design configuration management practices to ensure controlled, traceable design evolution Drive consistency in requirement interpretation, verification methods, and documentation across all engineering teams Partner with engineering leads to ensure designs are completed in a standard, verified fashion aligned with program requirements Lead and participate in cross-disciplinary reviews to evaluate design readiness, compliance, and verification closure Provide structured and complete design handoffs to Build Reliability as programs transition into production Ensure production and flight lessons learned are systematically captured and incorporated into future design iterations to drive continuous improvement and reliability growth Establish and enforce standardized processes for acceptance and qualification testing to ensure consistent, repeatable, and requirements‑compliant execution Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering 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 8+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 3+ 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 $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.

🏢 Summary: Senior Data Analyst role focused on transforming operational data into actionable insights to support satellite design, manufacturing, and mission operations. The position involves building automated reports, dashboards, and data pipelines across enterprise systems while partnering with engineering, production, and finance teams. This role combines advanced analytics, data engineering, and business intelligence to drive scalable decision-making in a fast-paced aerospace environment. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM field, 6+ years of experience in a data analyst or analytics role, Proficiency in SQL, Proficiency in Python, Experience with Snowflake, Experience with a modern BI platform (PowerBI or Tableau), Experience with relational databases, Ability to build complex data visualizations, Ability to translate business questions into structured analyses, Ability to troubleshoot data issues and modify workflows, Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR or be eligible for export control license 📃 Skills: SQL, Python, Snowflake, PowerBI, Tableau, ETL, BI, AI, ML, RelationalDatabases 🏢 Description: K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by significant private investment and commercial and U.S. government contracts, the company is mass-producing high-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from mass constraint to mass abundance, demanding a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive harsh radiation environments and capitalize on next-generation rockets, these satellites deliver high capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits. With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, the team is focused on building advanced spacecraft platforms to expand humanity’s presence in space. Description As a Senior Data Analyst on the Enterprise Systems team, you will turn operational data into insights that drive smarter decisions across satellite design, manufacturing, and mission operations. You will partner with engineering, production, and finance to evaluate performance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, while building scalable reports, dashboards, and automation solutions. Responsibilities - Develop automated reports, dashboards, and analyses that surface KPIs, performance drivers, and trends in direct support of strategic and operational decisions. - Build and manage data pipelines integrating structured and unstructured data sources across enterprise systems. - Design and implement automated workflows using SQL, Python, Snowflake, and related tools to standardize data, minimize manual error, and uphold data integrity and governance best practices. - Develop and maintain data retrieval processes and application integrations across multiple systems and data sources. - Partner with stakeholders across Manufacturing, Finance, Propulsion, Materials, and other disciplines to analyze drivers impacting production outputs and operational scaling. - Develop, maintain, and distribute recurring reports for Manufacturing, Finance, and Production teams accurately and on schedule. - Support regulatory, financial, and accounting reporting by compiling and validating underlying data. - Evaluate existing data QC and reporting distribution processes, identify inefficiencies, and deliver improvements. - Own and maintain documentation for data tools, analyses, and workflows. - Stay current on advancements in data analytics, automation, AI/ML, and BI tooling. Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline. - 6+ years of experience in a data analyst or analytics role. - Proficiency in SQL and Python. - Experience with Snowflake and a modern BI platform (PowerBI or Tableau). - Experience working with relational databases and building complex data visualizations. - Ability to translate ambiguous business questions into structured analyses and recommendations. - Comfortable modifying workflows and troubleshooting data issues. Nice to Have - Experience with ETL processes and workflow automation. - Background in manufacturing, finance, or operational data domains. - Strong knowledge of financial reporting processes. - Familiarity with physical manufacturing workflows. - Experience mentoring or informally leading analysts. Compensation and Benefits - Base salary range: $140,000 - $180,000 + equity. - Salary determined by knowledge, skills, education, and experience. - Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical, dental, vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional perks. Export Compliance This role requires access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. The person hired must qualify as a "U.S. Person" under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise be eligible for a federally issued export control license. Equal Opportunity Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and is not influenced by legally protected characteristics.

🏢 Summary: The role is for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) embedded within the flight software team, responsible for building and owning automated test frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop infrastructure for high-power satellite systems. The position focuses on enabling reliable, rapid deployment of spacecraft flight software through robust CI/CD integration and end-to-end subsystem test coverage. This is a hands-on engineering role centered on developing scalable test systems for mission-critical space hardware. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field, or equivalent experience, Experience building and maintaining test automation frameworks, Experience with CI/CD systems, Experience with version control using Git, Ability to design and develop automated test infrastructure, U.S. Person status or eligibility for export control license (ITAR compliance) 📃 Skills: Python, Rust, Git, GitLab, GitHub, Jenkins, CI/CD, HIL, SIL, RTOS, Embedded, Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, UART, Ethernet, SpaceWire, RS-422, RS-485, Oscilloscopes, JIRA, Shell 🏢 Description: 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 The software team at K2 builds software across the stack, from gateware & micro firmware to high level satellite control to Ground Software and all the associated testing, and we're looking for an SDET who shares our belief that test infrastructure is a first-class engineering discipline. You will be embedded directly within the flight software team, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the engineers writing the code that flies our spacecraft owning the automation frameworks, test tooling, and HIL infrastructure that make rapid, confident software deployment possible. This role is not a QA function. You will be a builder. In your first 6 months, you will design and ship core test automation frameworks and integrate them into our CI/CD pipelines. In your first year, you will own end-to-end test coverage across multiple spacecraft subsystems and lead HIL testing campaigns alongside flight software engineers, proving the software is ready to go to space. In your first two years, you will have operated your test systems against hardware that has been launched to orbit. Responsibilities Design, develop, and own software test frameworks targeting K2's flight software stack, including subsystems for propulsion, GNC, power, thermal, and communications Build and maintain automation tooling that integrates seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, enabling fast and reliable flight software deployment Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test infrastructure in close collaboration with flight software engineers Create tooling for test execution, data collection, and anomaly triage that gives engineers clear, actionable signal Reduce flaky and nondeterministic tests; continuously improve coverage, pipeline reliability, and test execution speed Collaborate with flight software, avionics, and systems engineers to define test requirements, write test plans, and execute verification campaigns Analyze test results to identify and characterize failures, and drive resolution across the team Maintain documentation for test infrastructure, procedures, and hardware configurations Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field, or equivalent professional experience Experience building and maintaining test automation frameworks, not just executing tests written by others Experience with CI/CD systems (e.g., GitLab Pipelines, GitHub Actions, Jenkins) and version control (Git) Nice to Have Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbeds or embedded systems testing Experience testing avionics, spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other safety-critical hardware Rust programming experience, including embedded or no_std environments Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal embedded firmware Familiarity with aerospace communication protocols (RS-422/485, Ethernet, UART, SpaceWire, Ethernet) Experience with electronics test equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies Containerization experience (Docker, Kubernetes) for test environment management Experience with Embedded Linux Familiarity with shell scripting Compensation and Benefits: 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 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.

🏢 Summary: Crypto Engineer role focused on designing and leading Type-1 cryptographic integrations for spacecraft and ground systems, including COMSEC architecture, NSA certification, and secure satellite operations. The position covers the full lifecycle from concept and implementation to accreditation and on-orbit support in a fast-paced space startup environment. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related field, 5+ years of experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications, Experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment and certification processes, Knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling, Experience taking hardware or system designs through certification and accreditation, Systems-level understanding across hardware, software, and RF domains, Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, Eligibility to work under ITAR/EAR regulations as a U.S. Person, Ability to travel up to 25% 📃 Skills: COMSEC, Cryptography, NSA, RF, RMF, ATO, JSIG, ITAR, EAR, Encryption, Avionics, Telemetry, Certification, Accreditation, Security, Keymanagement 🏢 Description: K2 is building high-power satellite platforms for missions ranging from LEO to deep space, with multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027. The Role As K2's Crypto Engineer, you will own the architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft and ground segment. You will carry these designs cradle-to-grave — from concept and trade studies, through implementation and integration, to NSA certification and accreditation, and into on-orbit operations. You'll define how K2's satellites protect command, telemetry, and mission data; partner with NSA, government customers, and certification authorities; and ensure the COMSEC architecture meets the requirements for national-security missions while supporting high-volume satellite production. Responsibilities - Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment - Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations - Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection, including encryption, key management, and key loading approaches - Serve as the primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation - Drive the certification and accreditation effort, developing artifacts, test evidence, and documentation required to achieve and maintain approval to operate - Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture - Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations - Identify and mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production - Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that scale across satellite production Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline - 5+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications - Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes - Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements - Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use - Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason across hardware, software, and RF boundaries - Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven startup environment with competing priorities and aggressive schedules Nice to Have - Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations - Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment - Experience with RMF/ATO, JSIG, or other accreditation frameworks - Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems - Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations Additional Requirements - Ability to travel up to 25% of the time - Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance required - Ability to work irregular business hours to support critical project timelines or operations - Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations Compensation and Benefits - Base salary range: $160,000 - $245,000 plus equity - Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid parental leave

🏢 Summary: Senior Optical Systems Engineer role focused on designing, manufacturing, testing, and deploying space-based optical systems for high-volume satellite payloads across multiple spectral bands. The position covers full lifecycle ownership from architecture and detailed optical design through environmental qualification and on-orbit commissioning. Strong emphasis on manufacturability, system modeling, and integration of advanced electro-optical technologies for space environments. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, 8+ years of experience in design, manufacture, and test of optical systems, Experience across full optical system lifecycle: requirements, design, analysis, tolerancing, procurement, build, alignment, test, deployment, operation, Experience with optical system architecture and SNR budgeting, Experience with detailed optical design and tolerancing, Experience with environmental qualification and reliability testing of hardware, Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled information (U.S. Person or export license eligibility) 📃 Skills: Optics, Optomechanics, Electro-optics, Telescopes, Radiometry, SNR, Tolerancing, Straylight, Fiberoptics, Spectroscopy, Imaging, UV, VIS, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, FPAs, Photodiodes, Manufacturing, ITAR 🏢 Description: 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 K2's plan doesn't stop at satellite buses, however. By operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space, K2 is uniquely positioned to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform – the payloads are the mission. There are any number of space-based optical payloads that can generate value here on Earth (ex. forest fire detection, climate and atmospheric monitoring, etc.) and further planetary science in our solar system (ex. hyper-spectral imaging, laser-altimetry) -- all of which require payload-specific optics benches with spectral / spatial filters, beam-shaping optics, image scanning / stabilization mechanisms, electro-optical sensors, fiber-to-free space interfaces, etc. coupled to large aperture, diffraction-limited telescopes for collecting and transmitting optical energy from the UV to the infrared. As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will contribute to defining how K2 designs, manufactures, tests, and deploys optics benches across K2's optical payload suite. You will be involved in every phase of your optical system's life cycle, from initial feasibility and architectural trade studies through manufacturing, ground testing, and on-orbit commissioning. The development timelines and manufacturing scale that we are targeting require meaningful innovation, but you will have the resources and full support of K2 to make this possible and help raise the bar for the next generation of space technology companies. Responsibilities Responsible for delivering the... system architecture, SNR budget, and system-specific modeling (ex. stray light, fiber coupling); detailed optical design and tolerancing; development plan (risk reduction timeline, division of labor, test strategy); environmental qualification and reliability testing; technical leadership of vendors and external partners, including component qualification, supply-chain development, and transition to volume manufacturing; and laboratory characterization, system-level validation, mission readiness, and on-orbit commissioning plan … of optical benches for a suite of high-volume optical payloads operating in the UV / VIS / NIR / SWIR / MWIR / LWIR. Collaborate with the optical and satellite bus teams to determine feasibility and optimal system requirements for optical payloads. Prepare design reviews for your optical system to get stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations to the hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams. Forecast staffing needs, define roles, and interview candidates to ensure the optical payloads team is staffed appropriately to deliver on schedule. Mentor the engineers supporting you to make them more capable and autonomous in the realm of optical system development in the future – scoping work, providing feedback throughout, and reviewing and signing off on the quality of their work. Manufacturing is a major emphasis of this role. For any in-house fabrication and assembly, you'll be responsible for the evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment and working with the production team to develop a factory layout, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests to ensure successful builds. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field. 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of optical systems. Experience designing and deploying optical systems at every phase of the product life cycle (requirements generation, design, analysis, tolerance, procure, build, align, test, deploy, operate). Nice to Have Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing – broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques, design for manufacturability, supply chain management, and productionization of assembly and test processes. Experience with optical mechanisms – specifying their requirements, knowledge of feedback and actuation methods, basic controls analysis, quantifying mechanism error, and system-level testing. Deep knowledge of electro-optical sensing technologies (ie. focal plane arrays, photodiodes, etc.) – their non-idealities, noise mechanisms, and mitigations, testing and characterization, and practical implementation / system integration details. Experience conducting experimental research, data analysis, and visualizing esoteric datasets. Understanding of the failure modes of electrical, mechanical, and optical systems in space environment. Compensation and Benefits: Base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $280,000 + 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.

🏢 Summary: Senior materials and process engineering role responsible for defining, qualifying, and scaling manufacturing processes for high-power satellite solar array systems. The position owns process development from material selection and characterization through production optimization and qualification in harsh space environments. It focuses on implementing novel material systems and manufacturing methods to enable reliable, high-rate solar array production. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or related technical field, 8+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, Proven experience in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development, Demonstrated validation of material and process decisions on flight or high-reliability hardware programs, U.S. Person status or eligibility for export control license (ITAR compliance) 📃 Skills: SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, Python, MATLAB, SPC, DOE, Sintering, Lamination, Deposition, Coating, Bonding, Composites, Adhesives, Thinfilms, Etching, Radiation, Thermalcycling, Plasma, Statistics, Failureanalysis 🏢 Description: 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 The processes that go into developing K2's solar arrays — from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites — directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path. You will define how K2 selects, qualifies, and scales manufacturing processes for its solar array systems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the success of implementation of material systems and novel manufacturing processes in the development and scaling of K2's solar array design and production. Responsibilities Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2's solar array processes — including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, coating, bonding, mechanism joints, and surface treatment Research, evaluate, and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications, driving trades that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and schedule Design and execution of structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify sources of variation and opportunities for yield improvement Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related anomalies Establish and drive corrective action plans back into design requirements and production Own the evaluation, cost/benefit analysis, and selection of manufacturing equipment for all in-house process development Collaborate with the production team to develop process specifications, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns to establish resultant performance across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define manufacturing process-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge and best practices for solar array hardware at production scale Qualifications Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline 8+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, with demonstrated depth in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs Nice to Have Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field Prior experience architecting manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle — requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, qualification, production, and on-orbit data review Hands-on experience across multiple solar array material systems, with variation in cell technology, interconnect methodology, encapsulant chemistry, and system architecture Deep working knowledge of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, thermal interface materials, and coatings as applied to high-power, long-life solar array hardware Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for solar module qualification, materials usage, and spacecraft charging effects Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials — displacement damage dose modeling, ionizing effects, UV degradation, and atomic oxygen erosion Depth across solar process disciplines including deposition techniques for anti-reflective coatings, chemical etching for bond preparation, encapsulant deposition, methods for corrosion control, outgassing compatibility, descriptive and inferential statistics, and failure analysis. Hands-on proficiency with material characterization tools: SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, or equivalent Experience scaling manufacturing processes from prototype to high-rate production, including SPC implementation and manufacturing equipment qualification Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data analysis and degradation modeling Compensation and Benefits: Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + 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.

🏢 Summary: Senior ASIC Package Design Engineer role focused on architecting and delivering advanced FC-BGA and MCM packaging solutions for high-performance mixed-signal and digital SoCs used in next-generation satellite systems. The position covers end-to-end package strategy including SI/PI, thermal design, vendor collaboration, qualification, and production ramp for complex high-speed ASICs. Offers competitive compensation, equity, and comprehensive benefits in a fast-paced aerospace environment. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, 5+ years of ASIC package design experience, Deep expertise in FC-BGA package design, Experience delivering high-pin-count ASIC packages into production, Strong understanding of substrate technologies and materials, Knowledge of SI/PI fundamentals at package level, Experience with thermal management for power-dense ASICs, Proficiency with SI/PI and EM simulation tools, Experience working with OSATs and substrate vendors, Knowledge of packaging qualification and test methodologies, Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled information 📃 Skills: FC-BGA, MCM, SIWave, HFSS, ADS, ASIC, SoC, SerDes, SI, PI, PDN, RF, EM, ITAR 🏢 Description: K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by significant funding and commercial and government contracts, the company is mass-producing high-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from mass constraint to mass abundance, requiring a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. K2 satellites are engineered to survive harsh radiation environments and fully utilize massive launch systems. The Role We are seeking a Senior ASIC Package Design Engineer to implement advanced ASIC package architecture, with a strong focus on flip-chip BGA (FC-BGA) and multi-chip module (MCM) solutions. This role supports the end-to-end package strategy for high-performance mixed-signal and digital SoCs from early architecture and trade studies through vendor engagement, qualification, and production ramp. You will collaborate with internal teams for package design, defining standards, influencing silicon and system architecture, and ensuring first-pass success for complex, high-speed, power-dense ASICs. Responsibilities - Define ASIC package architecture for FC-BGA and MCM solutions, including substrate stack-up, ball-map strategy, power delivery, signal breakout, and mechanical constraints. - Lead package-level trade studies across cost, performance, power integrity (PI), signal integrity (SI), thermal, manufacturability, and reliability. - Establish package design standards, methodologies, and best practices. - Drive detailed design of FC-BGA packages for high-pin-count ASICs with high-speed SerDes, dense power grids, and RF signal content. - Define and review substrate stack-ups, via strategies, impedance control, escape routing, and reference plane planning. - Partner with silicon, RF, and systems teams to co-optimize die floorplans and package interfaces. - Support package-level SI/PI strategy, including high-speed digital interfaces, power delivery network (PDN) design, and decoupling strategy. - Lead thermal architecture at the package level, including lid selection, TIMs, heat-spreaders, and mechanical interfaces to system cooling. - Drive material selection, substrate technology choices, and assembly process optimization. Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in ASIC package design, with deep expertise in FC-BGA. - Proven experience delivering high-pin-count, high-performance ASIC packages into production. - Strong understanding of substrate technologies and materials, SI/PI fundamentals at the package level, and thermal management for power-dense ASICs. - Fluent in SI/PI and EM simulation tools such as SIWave, HFSS, and ADS. - Experience working directly with OSATs and substrate vendors. - Knowledge of packaging qualification and test methodologies. Nice to Have - Experience with MCM or heterogeneous integration (chiplets, interposers, advanced laminates). - Background in high-speed digital or mixed-signal SoCs. - Familiarity with aerospace, space, or high-reliability electronics. Compensation and Benefits - Base salary range for this role is $180,000 – $260,000 plus equity. - Salary determined by knowledge, skills, education, and experience. - Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical, dental, vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional perks. Export Compliance As defined in the ITAR, U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. The candidate 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 decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without discrimination based on legally protected status.

🏢 Summary: Lead Systems Engineer role focused on owning launch vehicle system requirements, architecture development, and system-level integration for advanced space missions. The position involves leading multidisciplinary teams, managing verification and validation, and supporting launch campaigns and flight operations. This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role in a fast-paced aerospace environment requiring security clearance eligibility. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering or related field, 10+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, launch vehicles, spacecraft, missile, or high-reliability systems, Experience developing and managing system requirements, Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams, Experience with system integration, verification, and validation, Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle development, U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (export regulations compliance), Ability to obtain and maintain Government Security Clearance 📃 Skills: MBSE, Cameo, MagicDraw, Capella, DOORS, Jama, ICDs, SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, GNC, Avionics, Propulsion, SystemsEngineering, Verification, Validation 🏢 Description: A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. What You'll Do: We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to be a key contributor to our current programs. Own the development, allocation, and management of launch vehicle system requirements. Lead vehicle-level architecture development and system design trades. Define and maintain requirements traceability from mission objectives through subsystem implementation and verification. Coordinate technical activities across propulsion, structures, avionics, software, GNC, manufacturing, and test organizations. Lead system-level integration efforts and identify interface requirements between vehicle subsystems. Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system specifications, and verification plans. Support design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and other program milestones. Lead technical risk identification, mitigation planning, and resolution activities. Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions during testing and flight operations. Define system verification and validation strategies and ensure successful execution. Support launch campaigns, integrated vehicle testing, and flight readiness activities. Serve as a technical leader and mentor for systems engineering processes and best practices. What It Takes: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline. 10+ years of engineering experience with complex aerospace, defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or high-reliability systems. Experience developing and managing system requirements. Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams. Experience with system integration, verification, and validation activities. Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle development. Excellent communication and technical leadership skills. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder). Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field. Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, missile systems, or defense aerospace programs. Experience leading System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR). Experience developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Familiarity with MBSE tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Capella, or similar platforms. Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or equivalent. Understanding of mission analysis, flight operations, and launch vehicle architecture. Experience supporting flight test programs and launch campaigns. Active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one. What We'd Love: Strong systems thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to balance technical detail with vehicle-level decision making. Comfort working across organizational boundaries and engineering disciplines. Strong ownership mentality and ability to drive issues to closure. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where rapid iteration and execution are critical. Where You'll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. What We Offer: Equity-Based Compensation Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure Health and Wellness Stipend Commuter Benefits ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Employment Opportunity: Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on interviews, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. Pay Range $90,000—$110,000 USD

🏢 Summary: Technical recruiting role focused on building engineering and leadership teams for a space technology startup developing advanced space operations systems. The position involves full-cycle recruiting across aerospace, avionics, software, propulsion, manufacturing, and mission operations disciplines in a fast-paced onsite environment. Candidates should have strong sourcing expertise, experience hiring specialized technical talent, and familiarity with aerospace, defense, or deep-tech sectors. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, Experience hiring engineers and technical professionals, Experience building teams in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, space, or deep-tech sectors, Strong sourcing experience using LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach, Track record hiring specialized technical talent, Strong communication and candidate-closing skills, Ability to work onsite in El Segundo, CA, Eligibility to comply with ITAR regulations 📃 Skills: LinkedIn, Recruiting, Sourcing, Avionics, GNC, Propulsion, Manufacturing, Software, Systems, Networking 🏢 Description: Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small number of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a one-to-many system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. What You'll Do: Space Kinetic is seeking an experienced Technical Recruiter to help build the team that will redefine how humanity operates in space. This individual will serve as a strategic talent partner to engineering and leadership teams, leading full-cycle recruiting efforts across highly technical disciplines including spacecraft systems, avionics, software, GNC, propulsion, manufacturing, test, and mission operations. The ideal candidate has experience scaling teams at venture-backed aerospace, defense, or deep-tech companies and understands how to identify, engage, and close world-class engineering talent in highly competitive markets. This role requires exceptional sourcing ability, strong technical fluency, and the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment. Basic Responsibilities: Full-Cycle Technical Recruiting - Own end-to-end recruiting processes across engineering, operations, and leadership roles - Develop sourcing strategies to identify exceptional candidates from aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, and adjacent industries - Manage candidate pipelines from initial outreach through offer acceptance and onboarding Space Industry Talent Acquisition - Leverage existing networks across the commercial space, defense, and advanced technology ecosystems - Identify and recruit top talent from established aerospace primes, venture-backed startups, government laboratories, and research institutions - Build talent pipelines for critical technical functions including systems engineering, flight software, avionics, structures, manufacturing, propulsion, and mission operations Hiring Manager Partnership - Partner closely with engineering leaders to define hiring needs, role requirements, and candidate evaluation criteria - Develop structured interview processes that assess technical excellence, startup aptitude, and cultural alignment Talent Brand & Recruiting Operations - Serve as an ambassador for the mission, culture, and technology vision - Build and maintain recruiting processes, metrics, and reporting mechanisms that support company growth - Represent the company at industry conferences, networking events, university recruiting activities, and technical communities What It Takes: - Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience - 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, including experience hiring engineers and technical professionals - Demonstrated experience building teams within the aerospace, defense, space, robotics, autonomous systems, or deep technology sectors - Strong sourcing experience utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, networking, and direct outreach strategies - Track record of successfully hiring highly specialized technical talent in competitive markets - Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and candidate-closing skills What We'd Love: - Experience helping scale an early-stage aerospace or defense technology startup - Existing network within the commercial space and national security space communities - Experience recruiting spacecraft, propulsion, GNC, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering talent - Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere Where You'll Be: The position is onsite at the headquarters in El Segundo, CA. What We Offer: - Equity-Based Compensation - Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar - Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage - Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure - Health and Wellness Stipend - Commuter Benefits ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Employment Opportunity: The company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to legally protected status. Pay Range: $140,000 - $200,000 USD