Joblaze summary

The Senior Development Test Engineer at K2 Space is responsible for overseeing the testing of components and systems, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for aerospace applications. This role requires expertise in mechanical and electromechanical testing, along with proficiency in CAD and FEA software. Ideal candidates will have over five years of relevant experience and a strong background in aerospace engineering. K2 Space is a rapidly growing company focused on innovative satellite technology, making this position suitable for those eager to contribute to cutting-edge projects.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page October 27, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for QA roles (median ~$126,887).
Starts above 55% of 11 comparable senior qa roles that list Python we track (median $137,196 across 7 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 23% of 152 comparable senior qa roles; MATLAB appears in 0.7% of 152 comparable senior qa roles.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $140,000–$175,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Development Test Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, CAD, FEA, FEMAP, Hypermesh, Labview.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Development Test 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 component, subsystem, and vehicle level testing across structural, thermal, fluid, dynamic, and electromechanical systems. You will lead projects and help stand-up infrastructure to support the core testing infrastructure. In your first 6 months, you will define development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive best practices by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team.

Responsibilities

Own kickoff, design, fabrication, build, operation, data collection, and conclusion/results for development tests through full vehicle qualification campaigns

Design test hardware, fixturing, and tooling using CAD, FEA, and hand calculations

Demonstrate best practices for activating test stands, operating test equipment, instrumentation, and executing tests in a safe and organized manner

Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend solutions during test campaigns

Clearly communicate technical data, findings, and recommendations to team members across all levels of the organization

Anticipate future testing needs by collaborating with test suppliers and performing high impact infrastructure trade studies

Lead improvements to testing standards with company-wide impact by creating tools, methods, and processes

Guide and mentor team members with designs, workload, scheduling, and communication

Qualifications

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

5+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis

Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Hands-on fabrication experience

Nice to Have

Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ)

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM

Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh)

Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW)

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team

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 $140,000 - $175,000 + 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.

Senior Development Test Engineer

Similar positions