Joblaze summary

In this role, the Senior Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer at K2 Space will focus on the mechanical design and validation of propulsion systems for high-powered satellites, ensuring their performance through rigorous testing and analysis. The position requires extensive experience in mechanical design, CAD, and fluid dynamics, along with a strong background in aerospace applications. This role is ideal for seasoned engineers with a proven track record in developing complex mechanical systems and a passion for advancing space technology.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page November 2, 2026.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
Starts above 45% of 1452 comparable senior other roles we track (median $140,333 across 197 companies).

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $140,000–$175,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 10 years of relevant experience for this Senior Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer role.
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 Propulsion Mechanical Design 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 mechanical structures and mechanisms used for a propulsion system that will be the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown and unlock new mission concepts and increase our access to deep space. As part of a small multidisciplinary team, your role will involve mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system and all related hardware. In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, 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

Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware including propulsion modules, critical thruster components, the propellant management system, avionics box design, propulsion secondary structures, and potentially tank development
Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations
Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents
Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance
Develop and execute component and system-level test plans
Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery
Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable 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

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting
Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration
Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)
Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, this may include flight feed system or pressurized tanks
Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations
Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments

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 Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer

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