Principal Satellite Platform Engineer

K2Spacecorporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Job summary

K2Spacecorporation in Los Angeles, CA is seeking an experienced program manager for satellite bus development. You will lead engineering efforts, ensure mission success, and work collaboratively across functions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, over 6 years of aerospace experience, and proven project management skills. Join our innovative team dedicated to advancing spacecraft technology in a dynamic startup environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing.
• 3+ years of experience managing projects or technical teams.
• Strong understanding of launch vehicles and spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering and program schedule for vehicle design.
• Drive engineering and flight readiness activities.
• Work closely with engineering teams on vehicle readiness.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Understanding of Aerospace Systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

The Role

You will play a pivotal role in drivingthe overalldevelopment and integration of our satellite bus for mission success.You will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting as a deputy program manager internally and with customers.You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time.You will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch.

In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.

If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to deliveringworld class satellite solutions, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership:Develop and manageengineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation,and mission success
• Strategic Development:Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-termobjectivesin collaboration with stakeholders
• Program Execution:Driveengineeringand flight readinessactivities to meet mission and contract commitments
• Cross-FunctionalIntegration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, managetechnicalchanges, and mitigate risks
• Systems Development:Establishand improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth
• Design Reliability: Support internal design reviews and development ensuring adherence to requirements and high reliability
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, andproactive problem-solving are essential

Qualifications

• Bachelor’sdegree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 6+ years of experience intechnical aerospace or manufacturing
• 3+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams
• Strongunderstanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline
• 10+years of experience intechnical aerospace or manufacturing
• 5+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades
• Active Top Secret orTS/SCIclearance
• ExperienceleadingSpacecraft mission design, development, integration,test, and/orlaunch across multiple departments
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures
• Skilled in generatingexecutive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions
• Familiaritywith contracts andmission requirements evaluations
• Demonstratedtrack recordof project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
• Ability to travelupto 25% of the time

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limitedto:knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many otherperks

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.