{"id":1130417,"url":"https://alion.io/job/k2-space-spacecraft-propulsion-technician","title":"Spacecraft Propulsion Technician","company":{"id":171840,"name":"K2 Space","domain":"k2space.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/k2-space","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":94,"open_postings":166,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.024,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":123,"computed_at":"2026-09-25T05:45:01Z"}},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Los Angeles, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":56000,"max_usd":104000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":125},"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-23T00:29:10Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-23","last_verified_at":"2026-09-25T19:25:01Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"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.\nThe 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.\nWith 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.\nThe Role \nAs 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. \nResponsibilities \nPerform hands-on assembly of the Hall thruster and sub-assemblies to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions \nSupport 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 \nFabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform and fitting operations to required standards \nFabricate wire harnesses from assembly drawings and electrical schematics \nCollaborate closely with manufacturing, test, quality, and design engineering to resolve hardware issues in real time \nFollow detailed work instructions and manufacturing procedures, performing all work in the MES system (scanning, material consumption, and built traceability) \nSupport setup of vacuum chamber for acceptance and performance testing \nSupport receiving, inspection, and handling of COPVs \nPractice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace \nProvide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership \nOccasionally support vehicle integration operations and other related departments \nQualifications \n3+ years of hands-on aerospace assembly and test experience in propulsion, pressure systems, fluid systems, or high-reliability hardware \nExperience with pressure testing, leak checking, proof/burst testing, or COPV handling \nFamiliarity with MES/MRP software \nFamiliar with calibrated tools including multi-meters, torque wrenches, safety cable guns, and crimpers \nDemonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities \nExperience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements \nNice to Have \nDirect experience with electric propulsion systems and familiarity with pressure testing, vacuum chambers, turbo pumps, roughing pumps, gauges \nAbility to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T) \nExperience working with engineering teams in development and production environments \nExperience operating forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment \nStrong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems, and provide feedback on improving tooling processes and part design \nAbility to obtain or currently hold top secret/SCI security clearance \nAdditional Requirements \nMust 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 \nMust be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted \nMust be able to stand for extended periods of time \nMust be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed \nCompensation and Benefits: \nHourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $35 - $45 + equity in the company \nCompensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level \nComprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks \nIf 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!\nIf you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.\nExport Compliance\nAs 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.”\nThe 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.\nEqual Opportunity\nK2 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":6444,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":3,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Life insurance","Parental leave"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Space & Aerospace","Satellite Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-23T01:54:01Z"}],"liveness":{"score":90,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.903,"p_room":1,"age_days":2,"expected_fill_days":123,"reasons":["conf:0","velocity","win:early","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-09-25T05:45:01Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/k2-space-spacecraft-propulsion-technician","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/k2-space-spacecraft-propulsion-technician.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-26T00:13:48Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","usage":{"tier":"crawler","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":129,"day_limit":5000,"remaining_today":4871,"minute_limit":60,"resets_at":"2026-09-27T00:00:00Z"}}}