Senior Integration & Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A groundbreaking Series B space startup is looking for a skilled aerospace engineer to lead the development of satellite testing. In this role, you will be responsible for developing test procedures and overseeing integration and testing of spacecraft, contributing to the future of space development. A competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the possibility of equity offer an appealing package.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Equity in the company

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in integration/test/automation engineering.
• Experience testing/troubleshooting spacecraft and systems.
• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop standards for spacecraft hardware and software test procedures.
• Interface with customers to scope testing on payloads.
• Lead qualification campaigns for development and flight hardware.

Skills

Conflict Resolution

Negotiation

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer engineering

Tools

PSU

Oscilloscope

DMM

HITL software verification testbeds

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 intend 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 the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

In your first 6 months, you will lead development of the integrated satellite-level (proto)qualification testing, including test sequence, test levels, vehicle configuration, procedures, and ground support equipment. In your first year, you will optimize the manufacturing build flow to minimize overall schedule without introducing mission risk. Within two years, you will be leading test campaigns on one or more customer programs in parallel, leveraging relationships you have built to establish strong, scalable external interfaces. While initial operations will be more manual as we exercise the vehicle design, our goal is a fully autonomous constellation. You’ll be the driver of constellation-level control to realize this goal.

Responsibilities

• Develop standards for test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness

• Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations

• Act as a test conductor (and POC, if offsite) for environmental test campaigns

• Design, build, and operate electrical and mechanical ground support equipment

• Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest

• Manage relationships with launch vehicle providers, including contractual deliverables such as interface control documents and environmental test plan justifications

• Lead high-visibility (proto)qualification campaigns for development and flight hardware

• Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, justify test reductions and optimize vehicle build/test flows for at-rate production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline

• 5+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects)

• Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing

• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration

• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment

• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)

• Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds

• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice to Have

• Proficient in Python and/or Rust

• Experience with Linux systems

• Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle)

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 + 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 unlimited 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 (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 by 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.