Spacecraft 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 options

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Job summary

A leading aerospace enterprise in California is seeking a Spacecraft Program Manager to drive mission success in national security space programs. The role involves overseeing program execution, engaging with customers, and ensuring alignment of mission requirements with existing technology. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or science, 5+ years of relevant experience, and an active Top Secret clearance. The compensation includes a base salary range of $125,000 – $185,000 alongside equity options.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead customer interface and ensure alignment with mission requirements.
• Oversee program execution from contract through to on-orbit operations.
• Manage proposal efforts to ensure technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Program management

Systems engineering

Operations of government programs

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Job description

Company Overview

K2 is building the largest and highest‑power satellites ever flown, freeing up performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors and $500M in signed contracts, we are mass‑producing the highest‑power satellite platforms from LEO to deep space.

The Role

Spacecraft Program Manager – National Security Programs

As a Spacecraft 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. You will be the primary interface with emerging and existing customers, leading programs from early business development and proposal phases through design, integration, test, launch, and on‑orbit operations.

Our fast‑paced startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high‑stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.

We value in‑person collaboration; this role requires an in‑office presence at our headquarters in Torrance, California.

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 U.S. 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 plus equity.
• Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience levels.
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks.

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 will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations. The person hired 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 Employer

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment 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.