Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in California is seeking a Propulsion Design Engineer responsible for designing propulsion systems for high-power satellite platforms. This role involves owning the mechanical design of critical components and validating designs through testing. Candidates should have a degree in engineering and experience in mechanical design and analysis. Attractive compensation includes a salary range of $100,000–$175,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package, providing a robust working environment for innovative engineering work.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design.
• Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test hardware.
• Experience with high-performance propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of propulsion system subassemblies.
• Validate designs through entire lifecycle and successful flight demonstrations.
• Generate 3D models and fully dimensioned drawings.

Skills

Mechanical design principles

CAD or FEA software

GD&T application

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

Job description

Propulsion Design Engineer

Join to apply for the Propulsion Design Engineer role at K2 Space Corporation.

K2 is building the largest and highest‑power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450 M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others—as well as an additional $500 M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers—K2 is mass‑producing the highest‑power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, K2’s goal is to build larger spacecraft that can operate in multiple orbits and move the industry toward a Kardashev Type II civilization.

The Role

You will be critical to designing the hardware for a propulsion system that will unlock new achievable mission concepts and increase access to deep space. You will own the success of propulsion hardware that will be key to developing the highest‑powered electric propulsion system ever flown. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will focus on mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system, validating designs through prototype iterations and building and qualifying flight hardware in the first year.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of propulsion system subassemblies, including critical thruster components, the propellant management system, ground support equipment, and other structural components
• Validate designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations
• Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents
• Perform analysis on data from hardware testing, iterating designs, and make critical go/no‑go decisions on performance
• Develop and execute component and system‑level test plans
• Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery
• Continually own and refine subsystem deliverable schedules throughout development and production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T
• Proficiency in mechanical design principles, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, troubleshooting and iterating based on feedback

Nice to Have

• Experience owning mechanical hardware or systems in an integrated engineering team outside a classroom (e.g., high‑power rocketry, robotics clubs, Formula/Baja SAE, NASA student launch)
• Advanced propulsion technology experience, including high‑performance engines and in‑space propulsion
• Familiarity with cutting‑edge testing and validation techniques
• Deep experience in developing and qualifying high‑pressure and low‑pressure fluidic components, such as flight feed systems or pressurized tanks
• Experience designing and qualifying avionics enclosures
• Knowledge of thrust stands for Hall thrusters and feed system components
• Experience with production tooling or product design in prototype or high‑volume environments

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $100,000 – $175,000 plus equity in the company
• Salary determined by knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations. The person hired must therefore be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

• Eligible for a federally issued export control license

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application or interview, please let us know.