Electro-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a groundbreaking Series B space startup focused on developing high-powered spacecraft for the next era of space exploration. This innovative firm seeks a motivated individual to partner with design engineers, ensuring manufacturability and testing new manufacturing techniques for large satellite structures. You will play a crucial role in optimizing production processes and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies. With a commitment to building a unique spacecraft, this position offers a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact the future of space development. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and are excited about aerospace innovation, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Equity Options

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-volume production environments.
• Experience in avionics subassembly manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design engineers for manufacturability.
• Develop manufacturing systems for spacecraft assemblies.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

Electromechanical Systems

Process Improvement

Avionics Subassembly

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

CAD Software (NX or equivalent)

Job description

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

The advent 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 is committed to building large, high-powered satellites capable of handling multiple orbits—an essential step toward developing the solar system and achieving Kardashev Type II civilization status.

If you are motivated, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are excited to contribute to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we invite you to apply.

The Role

In this role, you will partner with design engineers early in the development process to ensure manufacturability, build prototypes, design build flow and fixturing, and finalize processes for transition to production. You will test new manufacturing techniques for large satellite structures, harnessing, mechanisms, and integrated electronics systems. Your initial focus will be on developing manufacturing methods and tooling for integrated avionics, defining manufacturing flows for subsystems, and collaborating with design teams to improve manufacturability. Over the first year, you will implement these techniques on flight hardware and transition technology to production.

Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with design engineers to ensure design for manufacturability for initial design, flight hardware, and tooling.
2. Develop innovative manufacturing systems for large spacecraft assemblies, including electromechanical sub-assemblies, harnessing, welded/bolted structures, and mechanisms.
3. Create custom tools and processes, including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software, to support manufacturing technologies.
4. Demonstrate advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with design teams to improve manufacturability.
5. Develop subassembly build flows and iterate to optimize satellite production processes.
6. Partner with advanced manufacturing engineers to R&D novel manufacturing technologies for current and future spacecraft.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in high-volume, rapid production environments in manufacturing, integration, or design engineering roles.
• Proven results in product development or process improvements.
• Experience setting up manufacturing/production floors for first article builds.
• Experience designing and implementing avionics subassembly manufacturing processes, including wire harnessing and PCBA/mechanical enclosures.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing tooling for mechanical subassemblies and electronics.
• Experience designing hardware for manufacturability and developing production processes from the ground up.
• Experience working closely with technicians and build tooling.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards (soldering, torque, welding, quality assurance).
• Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and GD&T.
• Experience with MES for procedure creation and non-conformance documentation.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $100,000 – $175,000 + equity.
• Salary based on skills, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits: unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, parental leave, and more.

We encourage candidates who do not meet 100% of the skills to apply. Building a unique spacecraft requires a unique team, and non-traditional career paths are welcomed.

If you need accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As per ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. Please consult an advisor if unsure of your status. The role involves access to controlled information and items under U.S. export regulations, and the hire must be a "U.S. person" or eligible for an export license.

Equal Opportunity

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