Joblaze summary

In the role of Optical Avionics Test Engineer at K2 Space, the individual will focus on developing and executing test hardware and software for optical avionics, ensuring that prototypes meet rigorous programmatic milestones. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust is essential, along with experience in test hardware design and electrical assembly. This position is ideal for engineers with a background in aerospace or related fields who thrive in fast-paced, innovative environments. K2 Space is positioned at the forefront of satellite technology, emphasizing rapid development and deployment of advanced optical payloads.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 31, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,600).
Starts above 9% of 345 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $111,197 across 63 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 18.1% of 3356 comparable mid other roles in United States; Rust appears in 1.3% of 3356 comparable mid other roles in United States.

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, Optical role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Linux, Python, Rust.
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, Optical 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

K2’s plan doesn't stop at satellite buses. Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 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.

As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will be working alongside the Optical team to interface with ambitious optical payloads, 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 optical payload development testing
Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
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 optical 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
Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, or Rust)
Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have

Experience with design and testing of optical systems
Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (ex. beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks.
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
Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical 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, Optical

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