Build Engineer

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a groundbreaking space startup as a Build Engineer, supporting the development of high-powered spacecraft. You'll work closely with production to enhance build efficiency and collaborate with a diverse team. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments and possess strong engineering backgrounds.

Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in integration engineering role.
• Experience creating and improving production processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration planning and build flows for vehicle systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to evaluate corrective actions.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Multitasking

Education

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

Tools

CAD Software

Python

Rust

Linux Systems

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 intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As a Build Engineer, you’ll support the build of several subsystems for the Gravitas mission, K2’s first flight of the Mega class satellite. You’ll partner with Production to develop the build flow for your systems and help identify opportunities to increase build efficiency. Our ideal candidate is able to juggle competing priorities and interact positively with a wide array of people.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration planning and build flows for several vehicle systems

• Work closely with production to implement solutions that increase build efficiency

• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to disposition nonconformances and evaluate any corrective actions

• Support proto-qual testing

• Evaluate proposed designs for manufacturability and integration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other engineering discipline

• 2+ years of experience in an integration engineering role (includes internships and hardware-intensive extracurricular projects)

• Experience creating, improving, or deleting production process and workflows

• Experience interacting with CAD software and CAD models

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

• Expert multitasking skills with the ability to juggle priorities while maintaining focus to deliver against program goals

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment

• Experience or exposure in a test or automation role

• Experience with GraphQL

• Proficient in Python and/or Rust

• Experience with Linux systems

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 + 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 unlimited 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!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.