Power Electronics Engineer

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

K2 Space is seeking a motivated engineer to design high-powered power systems for spacecraft. You will prototype, test, and qualify power devices for various missions. Join a groundbreaking startup and contribute to the future of space development.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional design experience with power electronics.
• Experience with environmental testing for space electronics.

Responsibilities

• Develop power electronics for large spacecraft with power systems ranging from 20kW to 100kW capability.
• Qualify designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum testing.

Skills

Power Electronics

Circuit Simulation

Environmental Testing

Programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

LTspice

C/C++

Python

Matlab

Job description

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 intend 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 the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order 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 a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

You will be responsible for designing some of the highest power systems ever flown in space. You will be able to develop a broad range of power electronics devices ranging from power switching to power conversion components capable of operating in the harshest space environments. In your first 6 months you will prototype your first high power devices and execute environmental and performance testing to refine your designs. In your first year you will qualify your hardware for flight and begin designing even more capable devices for future generations of spacecraft. In your first two years you will have flown your power devices in space and developed novel designs across all power domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop power electronics for large spacecraft with power systems ranging from 20kW to 100kW capability

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for flight hardware from conception through flight

• Qualify your designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum testing

• Work with partners/customers to define interfaces between the power system and various spacecraft loads

• Develop models to analyze and verify power system performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

• 3+ years of professional design experience with power electronics (research and extracurricular academic projects qualify)

Nice to Have

• Proficient with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice

• Experience with environmental testing for space electronics such as thermal testing, vibration testing, TVAC testing, shock testing, radiation testing, and EMI/EMC testing

• Experience with high performance kW scale isolated power converter design

• Experience with load switch design and power path protection schemes

• Experience with power stage component selection for use in radiation environments

• Knowledge of filter design for stability, noise rejection, and surviving threat signals

• Experience programming in C/C++, Python, or Matlab

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company

• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.