Joblaze summary

In the role of Head of Solar at K2 Space, the individual will oversee the entire solar array program, from technology development to on-orbit performance, ensuring the production of high-power satellites. Key skills include extensive experience in mechanical and electromechanical design, as well as leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering teams. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional with a strong background in aerospace or solar engineering, capable of managing complex projects and driving innovation. K2 Space is positioned at the forefront of satellite technology, aiming to redefine capabilities in space exploration.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page November 10, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$127,500).
Starts above 44% of 79 comparable director other roles we track (median $200,000 across 39 companies).

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $200,000–$250,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 8 years of relevant experience for this Head of Solar role.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets director candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Head of Solar 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

Solar power isn’t a subsystem at K2, it’s the capability that makes everything else possible. Our arrays are what allow us to operate at power levels no satellite has ever sustained, across the most demanding orbits in the solar system. Getting that right, at scale, is one of the most consequential engineering challenges in the company.

As Head of Solar, you’ll own it entirely. From early-stage technology development and module innovation through design maturation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance – the solar array program is yours to build and lead. You will grow a cross-functional organization spanning design, analysis, manufacturing, and integration, and set the technical direction and operational cadence needed to meet our most ambitious cost, schedule, and reliability targets.

The missions we’re building toward are unlike anything the industry has flown: extreme radiation environments, multi-year lifetimes, and production volumes that demand manufacturing infrastructure built for rate and not one-off heroics. This is a rare opportunity to define what world-class solar engineering looks like inside a vertically integrated space company, and to build the team and systems that make it real.

Responsibilities

Build, scale, and lead the Solar Engineering organization across design, manufacturing, process, and automation disciplines

Own the solar hardware technical baseline end-to-end: from array and module design through process qualification, tooling and automation infrastructure, and flight-ready production delivery

Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, including hands-on testing, analysis, and iterative design refinement

Identify and invest in transformative technologies that unlock step-change improvements in rate, reliability, and unit economics

Set the strategic direction for how solar hardware is designed and manufactured at scale, establishing the systems, processes, and standards that enable high-rate production

Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing

Represent Solar Engineering at the executive level driving alignment on technical direction, risk, and program execution

Qualifications

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

8+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis in solar or electro-mechanical systems

4+ years of experience building and leading large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams including managing managers and developing senior ICs across multiple functional areas

Demonstrated ability to own a complex engineering function end-to-end through major program phases, from development and design iteration through production ramp and sustained delivery

Executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Nice to Have

Direct experience leading solar array engineering for space applications, spanning design, module interconnect processes, module lamination, integrated PVA construction, and flight array integration

Demonstrated background scaling a multi-disciplinary engineering organization from early-stage development to full-rate production in a high-reliability or aerospace environment

Hands-on background in robotics, vision-guided assembly, or electromechanical controls for manufacturing applications

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

Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

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

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company

Salary and level 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.

Head of Solar

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