Spacecraft Fluids Systems Technician/Thermal Control

RiseMe; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in company

Job summary

K2 Space is hiring a Spacecraft Fluids System Technician for hands-on assembly, integration, and test of pressurized systems. You will work across mechanical, electrical, and fluid areas in a fast-paced setting to ensure robust hardware at vehicle level.

The role emphasizes 3+ years in aerospace propulsion or fluid systems, with experience in pressure testing, COPV handling, and tube fabrication. On-site position with hourly pay and equity in a growing defense-space company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on aerospace assembly and test experience in propulsion or pressure systems.
• Experience with pressure testing, leak checks, proof/burst testing, or COPV handling.
• Hands-on tubing fabrication, bending, and fitting (flare, AN, VCR, or similar).
• Familiar with MES/MRP software and calibrated tools.
• Strong ownership and problem-solving abilities; clean room and ESD awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assemble pressurized system hardware and sub-assemblies per drawings and work instructions.
• Support system integration, leak checks, and high-pressure operations per procedures.
• Fabricate and install fluid lines; perform orbital welding and fittings.
• Wire harness fabrication from electrical schematics; collaborate with teams to resolve issues.
• Follow MES workflows and assist with vehicle integration and testing.

Skills

Aerospace assembly

Pressure systems

Tube fabrication

MES/MRP software

Calibration tools

Leak testing

Ownership & problem-solving

Tools

Torque wrenches

Multi-meters

Crimpers

Calibrated tools

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 over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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.

With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

As a Spacecraft Fluids System Technician, you will support assembly, integration, and test of pressurized systems at sub-assembly and vehicle level. The ideal candidate is a highly hands-on technician comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly of pressurized system hardware and sub-assemblies to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions
• Support system integration and high-pressure operations following released procedures and safety protocols; leak checks, proof testing, pressure system functional verification
• Fabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform orbital welding and fitting operations to required standards
• Fabricate wire harnesses from assembly drawings and electrical schematics
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, test, quality, and design engineering to resolve hardware issues in real time
• Follow detailed work instructions and manufacturing procedures, performing all work in the MES system (scanning, material consumption, and built traceability)
• Support setup of vacuum chamber for acceptance and performance testing
• Occasionally support COPV pressure testing and handling at vehicle level
• Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace
• Provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership
• Support vehicle integration operations and other related departments as needed

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on aerospace assembly and test experience in propulsion, pressure systems, fluid systems, or high-reliability hardware
• Experience with pressure testing, leak checking, proof/burst testing, or COPV handling
• Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, bending, and fitting (flare, AN, VCR, or similar fittings)
• Familiarity with MES/MRP software
• Familiar with calibrated tools including multi-meters, torque wrenches, safety cable guns, and crimpers
• Demonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with aerospace propulsion systems and familiarity with pressure testing, vacuum chambers, turbo pumps, roughing pumps, gauges
• Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
• Experience working with engineering teams in development and production environments
• Experience operating forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment
• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems, and provide feedback on improving tooling processes and part design
• 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 to operate tools 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 $35 - $45 + equity in the company
• Compensation 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 (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.