Senior Electrical Engineer, High Speed Mixed Signal

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space startup in Los Angeles is seeking a skilled engineer to lead the design of high-speed mixed signal electronics for powerful satellites. You'll collaborate with a talented team to develop cutting-edge technology that will be deployed in space. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in space development while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with full-cycle development of mixed signal PCBAs for RF applications.
• Experience with SDR hardware development and performance characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mixed signal and high-speed digital hardware.
• Qualify designs through environmental testing.
• Mentor and grow team members.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in computer science

Tools

Altium

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 (($180M raised to date)), we aim 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 a shift from mass constraint to mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design to fully utilize these massive rockets.

Our team envisions building large, high-powered satellites capable of handling multiple orbits, a necessity for developing the solar system and achieving Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization status.

If you are motivated, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we encourage you to apply.

The Role

You will lead the design and development of high-speed mixed signal electronics for some of the largest, most powerful satellites ever deployed in space. In the first 6 months, you'll architect, develop, test, and integrate new high-speed electronics for SDR systems used in satellite communications and beyond. You will collaborate with RF, FPGA, software, mechanical, and electrical engineers to prototype and refine your designs. Within two years, your systems will have flown in space, showcasing cutting-edge electronics systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mixed signal and high-speed digital hardware, including architecture, component selection, schematic capture, PCB layout, bring-up, and documentation.

• Own the operation of high-speed mixed signal electronics used on spacecraft RF systems.

• Qualify your designs through environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, thermal vacuum, and radiation testing.

• Support your products through production and spaceflight.

• Work closely with stakeholders to integrate your designs into spacecraft systems.

• Serve as a technical leader, mentoring and growing team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields.

• 5+ years of experience with full-cycle development of mixed signal PCBAs for RF applications, including microprocessors, FPGAs, SerDes, DDR4, Ethernet, SPI, ADCs, op-amps, and power supplies.

• 5+ years of experience with SDR hardware development, high-speed RF data converters, clock trees, and data interfaces.

• 5+ years of experience with performance characterization, validation, and debugging (EVM testing, spur analysis, EMI/EMC).

• Experience with multilayer PCB design in Altium or similar tools.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience with radiation-hardened component selection.

• Programming skills in Python, Rust, C/C++.

• Knowledge of RF digital communications and DSP concepts.

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally on fast-paced projects.

• Excellent communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $140,000 - $200,000 + equity.

• Salary depends on skills, education, experience.

• Benefits include unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, parental leave, and more.

We encourage applicants who do not meet 100% of the preferred skills to still apply. Building extraordinary spacecraft requires an exceptional team, and diverse career paths are valued.

If you need accommodations during the application process, please inform us.

Export Compliance

As per ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and certain protected individuals. Please consult with an advisor if unsure. The role involves access to controlled information under U.S. export regulations, and the successful candidate must be eligible for an export license or be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; hiring decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected statuses.