Lead Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer for Spacecraft

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

K2 Space Corporation is building the largest and highest-power satellites, expanding capabilities from LEO to deep space. The Principal role will shape how mechanisms are manufactured, with early prototype work, build flow design, fixturing, and development through high-rate production.

You will partner with Mechanisms Engineering to drive DFx guidance, set policy and standards, and lead future manufacturability improvements across programs, delivering reliable spaceflight hardware at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFX reviews with the Mechanisms Engineering team, providing manufacturability, testability, and assembly guidance across mechanisms, machined components, and assemblies for initial design, flight hardware, and tooling
• Lead the development of innovative manufacturing systems for spacecraft mechanisms, including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies
• Set manufacturing policy, standards, and best practices for the Manufacturing Engineering organization, proactively identifying and mitigating manufacturability, process, and quality risks before they surface
• Plan manufacturing strategy, tooling, and capacity investments ahead of future mechanism designs and program roadmaps
• Research and pilot new assembly methodologies and automation technologies, using data-driven analysis to optimize current production and inform manufacturing business decisions
• Create custom tools, automation, and processes — including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software — to support the manufacturing technologies you create and streamline the work of the broader Manufacturing Engineering team
• Demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with the design teams to continuously improve the manufacturability of the designs
• Build test articles and support the Mechanisms Engineering team’s development and qualification test campaigns, iterating on hardware and processes as test results come in
• Develop the subassembly build flow and iterate to create an efficient production flow for the satellite and ensure that build times align with current takt times
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior manufacturing engineers, technicians, and design peers on mechanisms manufacturing best practices
• Partner with a team of advanced manufacturing engineers to lead R&D of novel manufacturing technologies for current and future spacecraft products

Education

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

Job description

K2 Space Corporation is building the largest and highest-power satellites, expanding capabilities from LEO to deep space. The Principal role will shape how mechanisms are manufactured, with early prototype work, build flow design, fixturing, and development through high-rate production.

You will partner with Mechanisms Engineering to drive DFx guidance, set policy and standards, and lead future manufacturability improvements across programs, delivering reliable spaceflight hardware at scale.