Materials & Process Engineer

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering space startup as a Materials & Process Engineer, addressing complex material challenges for satellite designs. Collaborate across teams to define product requirements, perform analyses, and develop a materials database. Contribute to the future of space development in a fast-paced environment with ample growth opportunities.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industry experience in materials science.
• Strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible metallics M&P engineer for satellite structures.
• Research and select materials and processes for various applications.
• Create test plans and perform material tests.

Skills

Materials Science

Engineering Principles

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Materials Engineering

Bachelor’s in Physics

Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Welding

Wire Bonding

Heat Treatment

Plating

Thermal Coating

Job description

Join to apply for the Materials & Process Engineer role at K2 Space Corporation.

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 ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables a move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design 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 essential for developing the solar system and becoming a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.

If you are motivated, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

You will address complex material challenges for our satellite and ground infrastructure designs in a rapidly innovative environment. Collaborating across engineering and production teams, you will own the success of material selections and their implementation, crucial for our satellite operations. In the first 6 months, you will define product requirements, inform material and design trades, perform analyses and testing on materials, drive test campaigns, and develop a materials database and usage list. In two years, you will validate decisions through prototypes and build and qualify flight hardware as we scale volume.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible metallics M&P engineer for satellite bus structures, mechanisms, thermal, electrical, and solar array systems.
• Research, trade, and select conventional and novel materials and processes for various applications.
• Identify qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns.
• Author, implement, and maintain M&P requirements, processes, specifications, and standards.
• Create and maintain a materials library and usage list.
• Create test plans, perform material tests, and analyze process data.
• Own and refine subsystem deliverable schedules during development and production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in mechanical, materials, physics, aerospace, or relevant engineering.
• 2+ years of industry experience demonstrating a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles.

Nice to Have

• Experience with materials in aerospace development lifecycle.
• Deep understanding of aluminums, composites, stainless steels, adhesives, and thermal materials.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, wire bonding, heat treatment, plating, surface modification, thermal coating, and interface materials.
• Knowledge of fracture mechanics, corrosion control, fluid compatibility, statistics, and failure analysis.

Compensation And Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 - $160,000 + equity.
• Benefits include unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, parental leave, and more.

We encourage applications from those who may not meet all preferred skills. Building a spacecraft requires a diverse team, and non-traditional career paths are welcome.

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

Export Compliance

As per ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and certain protected individuals. The role involves access to controlled information and items under U.S. export control regulations, so eligibility as a “U.S. person” or license eligibility is required.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected statuses.