Senior Development Test Technician

K2Spacecorporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 71,635; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits package

Job summary

K2 Space is seeking a Senior Development Test Technician to validate next-generation spacecraft hardware for Mega Class satellites. You will work with Design, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers to establish the Mega Structures Lab, execute development test campaigns, and build custom test setups while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The role requires autonomy, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to raise technical risks and concerns as projects progress in a fast-paced startup

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on aerospace development, environmental or structural test experience.
• Experience working with high-energy test systems and promoting a strong safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, modify, and tear down complex development test stands and hardware.
• Prepare test articles for development and qualification testing.
• Execute static load, proof load, structural verification, leak checks, and subsystem testing.
• Assemble hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical test systems.
• Install and verify instrumentation and data acquisition hardware.
• Perform fabrication/modification to fixtures and test hardware.

Skills

Aerospace development experience

Test equipment troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Autonomy and ownership

Tools

DAQ systems (Dewesoft, MTS, Revel)

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Crane & forklift operation

Shop tooling and fabrication

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 from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint 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.

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 C space startup,

The Role

As aSeniorDevelopmentTestTechnician, you willplay a critical rolevalidatingnext-generation spacecraft hardwareforthe Mega Class satellite. In this role you will be working side-by-side with Design, Manufacturing, and Test Engineershelpingestablishthe Mega Structures Lab,execute developmenttest campaigns, developtestprocedures,buildcustom test setups, andperformstructural and mechanical testing. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, mechanically inclined,andcomfortable making informed decisions while raising technicalrisksandconcerns, all whilemaintainingthehighest standards of safety.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble,modify, and tear down complex development test stands, fixtures, and one-off engineering hardware
• Prepare test articles, for development and qualification testing
• Execute static load, proof load,structuralverification,leak checks,and subsystem development testing
• Assemble hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems used during testing
• Install, route, and verify instrumentation and data acquisition hardware, including load cells, strain gauges, displacement sensors, accelerometers, thermocouples,video systems,and test harnesses
• Perform fabrication and modification to fixtures and test hardware using manual machining, drilling, cutting, grinding, sanding, and other shop tools to support rapid iteration
• CollaboratecloselywithStructural, Manufacturing,and TestEngineers throughout development
• Troubleshoot test equipment, instrumentation, fixtures, and hardware anomalies
• Identifytechnical risksandopportunities to improve tooling, test methods, lab processes, and overall test reliability
• Monitor inventory of tooling, fittings, hoses, consumables, and other test equipment
• Participate in rigging, crane, and lifting operations for test articles and test equipment
• Process work orders, lab maintenance requests, and test documentation asrequired
• Maintain lab readiness through 5S, calibration tracking, preventative maintenance, and equipment upkeep
• Operate independently witha high levelof ownership while raising technical concerns and driving safe test execution

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on aerospace development,environmental test, or structural test experience
• Experience working with highenergy test systems and promoting a strong safety culture through rigorous procedures and best practices.
• Experience assembling complex mechanical systems from engineering drawings
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Experience operating DAQ systems (Dewesoft, MTS, Revel, or similar)
• Experience assembling hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Experience operating cranes, forklifts, lifting equipment, and rigging safety
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate technical risks and concerns
• Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Nice to Have

• Direct experience withspacecraft, launch vehicle, oraircraftdevelopment
• Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
• Experience operatingMTS systems,InstronorFrank Baconload frames,andData Physics vibration systems
• Experience with harness and connector selection / fabrication
• Airframe & Powerplant License
• Ability to obtain or current hold top secret/SCI security clearance

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands tooperatetools or machine controls
• Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $40 - $52 + equity in the company
• Compensation 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

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 in 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.