Join K2 Space as a Mission Operations Engineering Intern to work hands-on with spacecraft and support test campaigns.
Posted by employer 1 day ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 hour ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 hour ago
What you'll build
- Support test procedures for spacecraft hardware and software
- Take part in integration campaigns for development and flight hardware
- Operate spacecraft during system tests
- Identify and elevate off-nominal conditions during tests
- Assess risks associated with integration and flight approaches
Must have
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering discipline
- 6+ months experience of technical engineering skills outside of the university setting
Nice to have
- Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment
- Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft
- Familiarity with mission operations concepts
- Experience working in a clean room
- Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds
Practical constraints
- Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at HQ in Torrance
Requirements
- Experience
- 0+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
The Mission Operations Engineering Intern at K2 Space will engage directly with spacecraft, supporting integrated test campaigns and operating satellites during critical system tests. Key skills include familiarity with mission operations concepts, experience in testing and troubleshooting spacecraft, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or Rust. This role is ideal for engineering students with hands-on experience in technical environments, looking to contribute to a high-growth company focused on innovative satellite technology.
Joblaze insights
Quick facts
- Is the Mission Operations Engineering Intern – Summer 2027 role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Los Angeles, California, United States.
- What's the salary range?
- K2 Space lists $30–$40 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 0 years of relevant experience for this Mission Operations Engineering Intern – Summer 2027 role.
- Where is the role based?
- K2 Space is hiring for this position in Los Angeles, California, United States.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Linux, Python, Rust.
- What seniority level is this role?
- K2 Space targets intern candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Internship for this Mission Operations Engineering Intern – Summer 2027 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
We're looking for a stellar Mission Operations Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3-month internship. You'll join the Mission Ops Engineering team to be hands-on with real spacecraft – executing integrated test campaigns, mastering the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health and fly on-orbit satellites.
Responsibilities
- Support test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flight worthiness
- Take part in high-visibility integration campaigns for development and flight hardware
- Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations and space operations
- Identify and elevate off-nominal conditions during test, and drive issues to resolution by engaging with the wider engineering team
- Clearly communicate status, needs, and risks to the entire K2 Space team (and payload providers) during high-intensity operations
- Assess risks associated with different integration, test, and flight approaches, and clearly communicate mitigations and trade-offs
Qualifications
- Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
- 6+ months experience of technical engineering skills outside of the university setting classroom (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience)
Additional Requirements
- Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at our HQ in Torrance
Nice to Have
- Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
- Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing
- Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, and anomaly resolution
- Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
- Experience operating vehicles in a mission or production setting
- Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds
- Experience or exposure in a test or automation role
- Experience in Python and/or Rust
- Experience with Linux systems
Compensation
- Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour
- Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Housing and travel stipend may also be available
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.