Join K2 Space as a Mission Payload Engineer to integrate advanced payload capabilities onto high-power satellites.
Posted by employer 2 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 week ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Requirements
- Experience
- 2–5 years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Mission Payload Engineer at K2 Space, the individual will manage the integration of advanced payloads onto satellite platforms throughout the entire program lifecycle, from initial proposals to on-orbit operations. Key skills include a strong background in multi-disciplinary engineering, technical project management, and hands-on experience with spacecraft systems. This position is well-suited for candidates with at least two years in the aerospace industry and a solid understanding of payload interfaces. 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 space miss
Joblaze insights
- Listed 9 days ago on Joblaze — tracked directly from K2 Space's career page.
- K2 Space has 221 other open roles including Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer: National Security Missions, Senior Platform Engineer (DevX) , Principal Tooling Engineer.
- Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
Quick facts
- What's the salary range?
- K2 Space lists $100,000–$135,000 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- 2–5 years of relevant experience for this Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial) role.
- 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 Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial) 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 rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
As a Mission Payload Engineer within Commercial Programs, you’ll serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners as we integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2’s satellite bus platform. You’ll support the entire program lifecycle – from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.
In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans that ensure successful mission execution. You will also represent K2 Space in critical customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones.
The ideal candidate has strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities to effectively collaborate with Commercial customers and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration. Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
- Development, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.
- Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans. Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts. Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
- 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
- Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
- Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.
Nice to Have
- Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- Experience working directly with Commercial customers.
- 5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
- Hands-on spacecraft integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 + 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!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.