Senior Hardware Reliability Engineer

The Role

You will own the development and execution of reliability strategies that enable our spacecraft to meet ambitious vehicle and constellation-level targets for probability of success and availability. You will define reliability requirements, build and apply advanced semi-empirical modeling techniques, and drive testing programs that identify and mitigate risks early in development. This role sits at the intersection of design, test, systems, and manufacturing, where you will integrate reliability models with program risk management and flow down clear, actionable requirements across subsystems. You will lead root cause investigations on critical hardware issues and play a key role in evolving K2’s reliability strategy as we scale toward high-volume satellite production. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and is excited to build the reliability foundation for a new generation of large, capable spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Own the development and maintenance of top-level reliability requirements, models, and allocations to meet vehicle and constellation-level targets for probability of success and availability

• Define and drive HALT/HASS strategies, accelerated testing plans, and reliability growth programs across spacecraft development and production

• Establish and evolve reliability modelling frameworks, including Weibull analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA)

• Integrate reliability analyses with program risk management and drive actionable insights that influence design, manufacturing, and test decisions

• Flow down reliability requirements to subsystems, including margins, screening levels, derating guidelines, and test requirements, and ensure consistent application across programs

• Lead root cause investigations on critical hardware failures and drive systemic corrective actions that improve product robustness and mission reliability

• Collaborate closely with design, systems, test, and manufacturing teams to embed reliability principles early in the development process and optimize for mass production

• Mentor junior engineers on reliability methods, analysis techniques, and best practices while contributing to the growth of the reliability function at K2 Space

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or other related discipline

• 5+ years of experience in reliability engineering, hardware testing, failure analysis, or related fields in the space, automotive, semiconductor, or other high-reliability industries

Nice to have

• M.S. or PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or other related discipline

• Experience developing and executing life testing methods, including accelerated life testing (ALT) and reliability growth programs

• Experience with thermal, vibration, and TVAC qualification and acceptance testing approaches

• Experience with EEE components (Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical), including semiconductor devices and packaging technologies, in high-reliability or space applications

• Experience building reliability prediction models (Weibull, Monte Carlo, reliability block diagrams) and performing system-level analyses (FTA, PRA)

• Strong foundation in statistical modeling and data analysis, with experience developing custom models for engineering or production data. Interest in or exposure to machine learning techniques is a plus

• Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python or C++) for data analysis, statistical modeling, and reliability calculations

• Familiarity with derating practices, Design for Excellence (DFX), and requirements flow-down in complex hardware systems

• Experience with Physics of Failure (PoF) methodologies and identification of dominant failure mechanisms in electronic hardware and EEE components

• Experience with reliability growth tracking or working toward probability of success / availability targets on vehicles or constellations

• Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to clearly present technical findings to both engineering and leadership teams

• Experience in a fast-paced startup or new-space environment with high ownership and broad scope

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