Principal Turbomachinery Engineer

The Role

Critical to achieving K2's vision is deploying our 20-kW high-power spacecraft platform at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space. Realizing that vision means actively controlling the heat generated by the high-power payloads our platform hosts. This requires active thermal control systems such as pumped fluid loops, built from fluid turbomachinery, valves, accumulators, and pressure and temperature instrumentation. Scaling to constellations requires someone who can span the mechanical, fluid, electromechanical, and thermal-fluid domains and collaborate closely with the thermal, avionics, software, and production teams to deliver these systems at rate.

As Principal Turbomachinery Engineer, you will define how K2 designs, analyzes, manufactures, tests, integrates, and deploys precision turbomachinery for integration into active thermal control systems. You will own these unique pieces of turbomachinery from concept through integration and rate production. You will be responsible for mission-critical hardware which goes to space.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for turbomachinery mechanisms in the spacecraft active thermal control system, including:
• Architectural down-selection, design, and tolerancing
• Pump- and mechanism-specific analyses (rotor dynamics, bearings and seals, hydraulic performance, structural, thermal-fluid)
• Environmental test and qualification plans
• Ground- and in-flight performance validation plans
• Supply chain and high-volume manufacturing trades
• Partner with the thermal and platform architecture teams to scope the long-term K2 pumped-fluid-loop roadmap, and system performance requirements
• Collaborate with thermal, structures, avionics, and satellite bus teams to determine optimal operations and requirements for the pump, supporting mechanisms, and broader fluid loop
• Prepare design reviews to secure stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations across hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams
• Own and refine program deliverables and schedules throughout development and production
• Evaluate and select manufacturing equipment for specialty processes (impeller machining, rotating-assembly balancing, leak/flow test)
• Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of experience design and analysis of turbomachinery in harsh environments
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Nice to Have

• Experience designing, building, and testing centrifugal or axial pumps for closed-loop thermal systems, including impeller geometry, volute/diffuser design, and hydraulic performance prediction
• 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 bearing analysis, preload techniques, and preload measurement
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T
• Demonstrated ability to own moving mechanism assemblies across the full product lifecycle in a high velocity environment
• 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 across disciplines

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $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