RF Payload Program Manager (TS//SCI) Los Angeles, CA

K2 Space Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental coverage

Job summary

K2 Space Corporation is seeking an RF Payload Program Manager in Los Angeles. This pivotal role involves driving mission success for National Security programs while collaborating with a skilled team to innovate solutions for complex space challenges.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or science, with 5+ years of relevant experience and an active Top Secret clearance. Join a groundbreaking Series C space startup focused on developing high-power satellites.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program management or systems engineering.
• Deep understanding of launch vehicles or aerospace systems.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary customer interface ensuring mission alignment.
• Lead proposal efforts ensuring technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee all aspects of programs from contract award through operations.

Skills

Program management

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest‑power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M in funding and $500M in signed contracts, we’re mass‑producing the highest‑power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy‑lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from a mass‑constraint era to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we’re building bigger 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 are excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As an RF Payload Program Manager in National Security Programs at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving mission success and shaping our growing portfolio of National Security space programs. Serving as the primary interface with our emerging and existing customers, you will lead programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on‑orbit operations.

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 delivering impactful National Security capabilities, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring alignment between mission requirements and K2 Space’s technology offerings.
• Strategic Business Development: Shape new opportunities and architectures by collaborating with stakeholders, defining program requirements, and aligning efforts with long‑term strategic objectives.
• Program Execution: Oversee all aspects of programs from contract award through integration, test, launch, and on‑orbit operations, ensuring mission success and contract fulfillment.
• Proposal & Contract Management: Lead proposal efforts, ensuring technical feasibility, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with long‑term engineering objectives.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical and contractual changes, and mitigate risks.
• Customer Engagement & Advocacy: Lead customer reviews, deliver technical briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders.
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem‑solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• 5 + years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or operations of government programs.
• Deep understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline.
• 10 + years of program management, project management, systems engineering, or operations experience.
• Experience with spacecraft mission design, development, integration, and/or test.
• Experience with management or program leadership.
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures.
• Experience working in the US national security community as a service member, civil servant, or contractor.
• Experience with contracts and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes.
• Ability to travel up to 25 % of the time.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $125,000 – $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 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 (green card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including 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 be eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Export Control Constraints The hire must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.