Joblaze summary

The Development Test Engineer at K2 Space is responsible for overseeing the testing of components and subsystems, focusing on structural, thermal, and electromechanical systems. This role requires proficiency in CAD and FEA software, along with hands-on experience in mechanical design and testing, ideally within aerospace applications. Suitable candidates will have at least two years of industry experience and a background in engineering disciplines such as mechanical or aerospace. K2 Space is a rapidly growing company, backed by significant funding, and is poised to make a substantial impact in the satellite industry.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 7, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 27, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
Starts above 10% of 335 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $111,197 across 62 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 18.1% of 3188 comparable mid other roles in United States; Labview appears in 0.4% of 3188 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $100,000–$140,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Development Test Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, CAD, FEA, FEMAP, Hypermesh, Labview.
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 Development 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 component and subsystem testing across structural, thermal, fluid, dynamic, and electromechanical systems. In your first 6 months, you will define development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead multidisciplinary test campaigns. In your first two years you will progressively take on larger tests while directly supporting production and qualification testing.

Responsibilities

Own kickoff, design, fabrication, build, operation, data collection, and conclusion/results for development tests

Design test hardware, fixturing, and tooling using CAD, FEA, and hand calculations

Have a hands-on approach to activating test stands, operating test equipment, instrumentation, and executing tests in a safe and organized manner

Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during test campaigns

Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization

Continuously improve test standards by creating tools, methods, and processes

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

2+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical design and analysis

Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)

Hands-on fabrication experience

Nice to Have

Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ)

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM

Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh)

Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW)

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)

Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations

Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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.

Development Test Engineer

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