Joblaze summary

In this role, the Principal Mechanical Engineer at K2 Space is responsible for overseeing the design and development of mechanical structures and mechanisms critical to satellite operations. The position requires extensive experience in mechanical and electromechanical design, proficiency with CAD and FEA software, and a strong understanding of mechanical principles. This role is ideal for seasoned engineers with a background in aerospace applications who thrive in fast-paced, innovative environments. K2 Space is focused on scaling its satellite production, making this a pivotal position in a rapidly growing company.

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 above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,100).
Starts above 54% of 125 comparable principal other roles we track (median $181,913 across 33 companies).

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $185,000–$200,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 10 years of relevant experience for this Principal Mechanical Engineer role.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets principal-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Principal Mechanical 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 the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanical requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased electromechanical subsystems, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration.

Responsibilities

Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs

Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond

Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations

Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction

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

Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production

Qualifications

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

10+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids

Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice to Have

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

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting

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 $185,000 – $200,000 + 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.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

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