Materials & Process Engineer

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

Job summary

Join a leading space startup focused on building high-powered spacecraft. As a Metallics M&P Engineer, you will tackle complex material challenges, collaborate with engineering teams, and contribute to innovative satellite designs. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of space exploration while working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of industry experience in materials science.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Responsible Metallics M&P Engineer for satellite structures.
• Research and select materials for various applications.
• Develop test plans and perform material tests.

Skills

Materials Science

Engineering Principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Physics, Aerospace

Job description

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 ($180M raised to date), we aim to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions from LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables a shift from mass constraint to mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design 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 a Kardashev Type II civilization.

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

You will address complex challenges related to the materials used in our satellite and ground infrastructure designs within a rapidly innovative environment. Collaborating across engineering and production teams, you will own the success of material selection and implementation, which are critical to our satellite operations. In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, inform material and design trade-offs, perform preliminary and detailed analyses and tests on materials, lead material test campaigns, and develop a materials database and usage list. Over the next two years, you will validate your decisions through prototype iterations, and build and qualify flight hardware as we scale production.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Responsible Metallics M&P Engineer for satellite bus structures, mechanisms, thermal, electrical, and solar array systems.
• Research, trade, and select conventional and innovative materials and processes for various applications.
• Identify qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns.
• Author, implement, and maintain M&P requirements, technical specifications, and engineering standards.
• Contribute to the creation of a materials library and our Materials Identification Usage List.
• Develop test plans, perform material tests, and analyze process data.
• Manage and refine subsystem deliverable schedules throughout development and production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Physics, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• At least 2 years of industry experience demonstrating a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles.

Nice to Have

• Experience with materials implementation in aerospace mechanical design, testing, and development lifecycle.
• Deep knowledge of aluminums, composites, stainless steels, adhesives, and thermal materials.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as welding, wire bonding, heat treatment, plating, coatings, and surface modifications.
• Knowledge of M&P disciplines like fracture mechanics, corrosion control, fluid compatibility, statistics, and failure analysis.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $100,000 - $160,000 plus 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 qualifications to still apply. Building a unique spacecraft requires a diverse team, and career paths may vary.

If you require reasonable accommodations for the application process, please inform us.

Export Compliance

As per ITAR, 'U.S. Persons' include U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and certain protected individuals. Please consult an advisor if unsure. The role involves access to controlled information and items under U.S. export regulations, and the successful candidate 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, gender, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.