Head of Ground Integration, Top Secret Clearance

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

K2 Space in Los Angeles, CA, is seeking a Head of Ground Integration with Top Secret clearance to shape the long-term vision for ground systems across missions from LEO to deep space. You will lead engineering teams, oversee integration with ground and orbital systems, and drive secure, scalable operations at startup speed.

The role requires extensive software development experience, leadership, and deep understanding of classified systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, mathematics, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• 8+ years of experience in software development.
• 3+ years of leadership experience at the department or organization level.
• Experience with deployment and integration of sophisticated hardware and software systems.
• Proven success building and scaling high-impact engineering teams.
• Strong track record of delivering enterprise-scale solutions in fast-paced environments.
• Deep experience with classified systems and their security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term vision for end-to-end ground systems integration across commercial, science, and national security missions.
• Direct and technically lead investment in new in-house ground infrastructure while managing relationships with third-party mission partners.
• Architect and integrate ground systems capable of operating at multiple classification levels while delivering secure and reliable constellation operations.
• Build and lead a team of ground integration engineers responsible for bridging new and legacy ground systems.
• Ensure teams deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems at startup speed.
• Collaborate with Ground Software Applications and Flight Software teams to drive new integrations and unlock mission capabilities for classified and unclassified domains.

Skills

Leadership experience

Software development

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Math or STEM

Tools

Python

C#.NET

Go

Java

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Head of Ground Integration, Top Secret Clearance

K2 Space is building the largest and highest-power satellites for missions from LEO to deep space. We are advancing toward a Kardashev Type II future with multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027. If you are motivated to contribute to a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term vision for end-to-end ground systems integration across commercial, science, and national security missions.
• Direct and technically lead investment in new in-house ground infrastructure while managing relationships with third-party mission partners.
• Architect and integrate ground systems capable of operating at multiple classification levels while delivering secure and reliable constellation operations.
• Build and lead a team of ground integration engineers responsible for bridging new and legacy ground systems.
• Ensure teams deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems at startup speed.
• Collaborate with Ground Software Applications and Flight Software teams to drive new integrations and unlock mission capabilities for classified and unclassified domains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, mathematics, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• 8+ years of experience in software development.
• 3+ years of leadership experience at the department or organization level.
• Experience with deployment and integration of sophisticated hardware and software systems.
• Proven success building and scaling high-impact engineering teams.
• Strong track record of delivering enterprise-scale solutions in fast-paced environments.
• Deep experience with classified systems and their security requirements.

Nice to Have

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C#.NET, Go, Java, or similar.
• Familiarity with modern languages, cloud systems, CI/CD, and container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Track record of fostering team culture, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of existing system architectures that support ground and orbital systems contributing to government and commercial space systems.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company.
• Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional perks.

Compliance and Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with export control regulations and require appropriate authorization for roles with ITAR-sensitive access. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Note: This description reflects the current requirements and is subject to change at any time.