Joblaze summary

In the role of HITL Testbed Engineer, the individual will design, implement, and maintain test assets that integrate flight-like hardware with high-fidelity simulations to validate system designs and software for space missions. Key skills include hands-on experience with HITL testbeds, electrical test equipment, and the ability to troubleshoot integrated avionics systems. This position is ideal for someone with a background in engineering and at least two years of relevant experience, particularly in integration and automation. K2 Space is a rapidly growing company focused on innovative satellite technology, making this an exciting opportunity for those eager to contribute to cutting-edge a

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 29, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,600).
Starts above 12% of 377 comparable mid other roles that list Python we track (median $110,000 across 72 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 16% of 4834 comparable mid other roles; Rust appears in 1.3% of 4834 comparable mid other roles.

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 HITL Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: 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 HITL 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

As a Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) Testbed Engineer, you’ll own designing, implementing, and maintaining critical test assets integrating flight-like hardware and high-fidelity simulation. You will support critical tests validating system design, verifying flight and ground software, and operations related in active missions in space. Your attention to detail and preparation will ensure that the flatsat testbed is ready for tasks that could directly impact mission success. Knowing how to scale these testbeds using automation and flexible configuration will enable teams to have accurate results and parity with flight vehicles with various mission objectives.

Responsibilities

Work with responsible engineers and software engineers to design a high-fidelity vehicle testbed ensuring high technical rigor and associated documentation.

Operate the HITL testbed in support of system validation, verification, and investigations, including on-orbit operations.

Receive, integrate, and test flight representative hardware into HITL testbeds.

Collaborate with design and systems engineers to create and build hardware simulation equipment.

Own, maintain, and document HITL table configuration and build out, including the supporting GSE racks.

Create and release harness drawings for required ground support and test equipment.

Investigate and troubleshoot testbed issues and drive further actions to improve future designs.

Design, maintain, and operate HITL racks deployed to customers for integration.

Support training events for mission operators for constellation management.

Qualifications

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

2+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects)

Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds.

Experience designing, building, and maintaining test racks and harnessing.

Experience testing and troubleshooting integrated avionics systems and their related components.

Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.) and with ESD sensitive equipment.

Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice to Have

Proficient in Python and/or Rust

Experience with Linux systems

Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle)

Experience with containerized solutions like Docker.

Desire to continually raise the bar of “good enough” and innovate novel solutions for scaling HITL.

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.

HITL Engineer

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