Avionics Systems Engineer

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space startup in Los Angeles seeks an Avionics Engineer to design and integrate systems for high-powered satellites. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to ensure successful spacecraft launches and contribute to groundbreaking space development. Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background and thrive in fast-paced environments. The role offers competitive compensation and benefits, including unlimited PTO and equity.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life insurance

Parental leave

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience with space-grade avionics systems development.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics system design, performance, and hardware.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Conduct testing on flight hardware during development.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Collaborative decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering

Tools

Python

Rust

CAD software

Linux

C++

Job description

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others (($180M raised to date)), we aim to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions from LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship shifts us from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era demands spacecraft with fundamentally different designs to fully utilize these massive rockets.

Our team believes the future involves building large, high-powered satellites capable of handling multiple orbits—an essential step towards developing the solar system and achieving Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization status.

If you're motivated, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we encourage you to apply.

The Role

You will be responsible for system design, analysis, testing, and integration of avionics on some of the largest, most powerful satellites. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to make architecture trades, design hardware, and manage avionics system implementation. You will serve as the Responsible Engineer for avionics interfacing, harnessing, instrumentation, RF components, and GNC actuators, supporting high-rate production and constellation launches. Within two years, you will qualify hardware for flight, complete avionics integration, and fly your first spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics system design, performance, and hardware across computing, power, instrumentation, RF, GNC sensors, and harnessing on the satellite bus.
• Work closely with engineering teams to capture requirements, lead design trades, and integrate designs into spacecraft systems.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including diagrams, schematics, interface control documents, procedures, and test reports.
• Conduct testing on flight hardware during development, qualification, and integration phases.
• Support spacecraft integration, troubleshoot failures, manage risks, and address production issues.
• Design, develop, and build avionics production infrastructure.
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software using Python and Rust.
• Manage project plans, milestones, and schedules effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience with space-grade avionics systems development, testing, and integration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills with risk assessment and collaborative decision-making abilities.

Nice to Have

• Experience with environmental testing for space electronics (thermal, vacuum, vibration, radiation, EMI/EMC).
• Proficiency with electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers).
• Experience with technical presentations and reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR).
• Proficiency with CAD software like NX, electrical harness routing, PCB schematic capture, and board layout (Altium preferred).
• Experience with Linux, Bash, C++, MODBUS.
• Experience with vehicle-level testing, writing test procedures, and data analysis.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 - $150,000 + equity.
• Salary depends on skills, education, and experience.
• Benefits include unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, parental leave, and perks.

If you don’t meet all preferred skills, we still encourage you to apply! Building spacecraft like ours requires a diverse, unconventional team. We welcome non-traditional career paths.

If you require reasonable accommodations during application or interview processes, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As per ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The role involves access to ITAR-controlled information and items, requiring the candidate to be a “U.S. person” or eligible for export licenses.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; hiring decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected statuses.