Principal Development Test Engineer

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace startup in Los Angeles is looking for a Principal Development Test Engineer to lead testing for satellite operations. This role requires significant mechanical engineering experience, expertise in electrical and mechanical testing, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. The compensation ranges from $150,000 - $185,000, enhanced by equity options and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis.
• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and fixtures for aerospace applications.
• Basic programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, C++, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate test hardware and execute development tests.
• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish testing methods.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electromechanical testing

Structural analysis

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or relevant discipline

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

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 ($200M 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

As Principal Development Test Engineer, you will own the success of testing mechanical structures, materials, and electromechanical subsystems that will be key to our satellite operation. You will anticipate company needs and stand‑up infrastructure to support the core and future business. In your first 6 months, you will define large‑scale development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands‑on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive company‑wide best practices and make a large positive impact on the success of the K2 Space by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate test hardware, test stands, and test systems, as well as execute development tests for structures, components, and materials in order to support internal and external customer needs.
• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff through test report and beyond.
• Drive hands‑on hardware development testing, analysis processing/data reduction, and continuous improvement of testing methods and best practices across the company.
• Steer the development of data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems at the integrated level and develop internal tools and company‑wide best practices.
• Collaborate with a cross‑functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods and project test schedules, and mentor early‑career engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis.
• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms).
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages.

Nice to Have

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ).
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T.
• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM.
• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh).
• Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW).
• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations.
• Independent and self‑motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $185,000 + 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.

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.