Joblaze summary

The Avionics Test Engineer at K2 Space is responsible for overseeing the testing of critical avionics subsystems, including computing and RF components, to ensure the successful operation of their satellite systems. This role requires proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++, along with experience in test hardware design and RF testing equipment. Ideal candidates will have a background in electrical or computer engineering and at least two years of relevant experience, making this position suitable for mid-level professionals eager to contribute to innovative aerospace projects.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 27, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,582).
Starts above 13% of 374 comparable mid other roles that list Python we track (median $110,000 across 73 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 15.8% of 4866 comparable mid other roles; RF Test Equipment appears in 0.1% of 4866 comparable mid other roles.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $100,000–$150,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Avionics Test Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Controls, Python, RF Test Equipment, Rust, Software-Defined Radio.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Avionics Test Engineer role at K2 Space.

From the original posting

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 Role

You will own the success of Avionics testing involving the computing, data acquisition, RF, and power subsystems that are key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and software to deliver flight avionics through ATP and QTP for the first Mega satellite constellation. You will be working alongside the Electrical and RF Engineering teams to interface with Avionics hardware, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities

Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support electrical and RF development testing
Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, Python, C++, Rust, etc.
Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff, through test report, and beyond
Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of flight avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software management
Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, Rust)
Experience with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzer, etc.

Nice to Have

Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
Experience with software-defined radio hardware development, including high-speed RF data converters (digital to analog and analog to digital converters), clock trees, and data converter interfaces
Experience with calibration of RF equipment, dataflow testing, and radiated end-to-end validation
Experience with the practical application of serial and ethernet communications
Understanding of the failure modes of electrical systems in space environments
Demonstrated ability to own electrical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + 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!

Standard company text repeated across K2 Space's postings is omitted here.

Avionics Test Engineer

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