Spacecraft Propulsion Technician

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 Propulsion Technician, you will be part of the team developing and scaling production of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever put into orbit. In this role you will support Hall effect thruster assembly, COPV proof testing, and system level production acceptance testing. 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 the Hall thruster 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 on feed system and COPVs 
• Fabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform 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  
• Support receiving, inspection, and handling of COPVs 
• Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace 
• Provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership 
• Occasionally support vehicle integration operations and other related departments  

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  
• 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 electric 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 
• Ability to obtain or currently 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.