Principal Mixed-Signal IC Design Engineer
$190k - $285k USD
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M 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 planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger 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 C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.
The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Mixed-Signal IC design leader with expertise in high-speed data converter (ADC/DAC) and Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) design, particularly in advanced FinFET technology nodes. You will be part of a collaborative design team developing state-of-the-art mixed-signal SoCs to be hosted on some of the largest, most powerful, rapidly designed and rapidly manufactured satellites ever deployed in space. In your first 6 months, you will architect, develop, and implement new SoC sub-systems for satellite communications and beyond. In your first two years, you will have flown your sub-system in space and developed cutting-edge mixed-signal SoCs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of high-performance, high-speed ADC and DAC architectures.
- Lead the architecture definition and implementation of low-jitter, low-power integer-N and fractional-N PLLs, frequency synthesizers and clocking systems.
- Own the planning and execution of simulations for critical mixed-signal sub-systems at the transceiver level to ensure system performance and compliance.
- Own the package design strategy, modeling, and cross-functional integration.
- Lead cross-functional efforts to integrate circuits advanced FinFET-based SoCs, ensuring layout, parasitic, and floor planning alignment.
- Drive full lifecycle design including specification, modeling (Verilog-A/AMS), schematic design, simulation, post-layout verification, and silicon validation.
- Perform design optimization for power, area, and performance in advanced FinFET nodes.
- Develop and maintain design documentation and support post-silicon bring-up and characterization.
- Support your product through production and spaceflight.
- Act as technical leader and subject-matter expert helping to teach, grow, and mentor others in the team.
Qualifications
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a strong focus in analog/mixed-signal IC design.
- 10+ years of relevant industry experience in mixed-signal circuit design.
- Proven hands-on experience in high-speed ADC/DAC designs with deep understanding of architectures, performance metrics, and design trade-offs.
- Deep understanding of PLL design principles, including charge pump, VCO, loop filter, multi-modulus divider, sigma delta modulator, and jitter analysis.
- Experience with FinFET CMOS process characteristics and layout parasitic considerations.
- Proficient in EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, behavioral modeling (Verilog-A, Verilog-AMS, MATLAB), and similar tools.
- Strong debugging, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Nice to Have
- Deep knowledge of data converter and PLL architectures and their trade-offs, systems specifications, and ability to translate system requirements into circuit requirements.
- Tape-out experience in advanced FinFET nodes.
- Hands-on experience implementing digital calibration techniques and DSP-assisted mixed-signal systems.
- Solid understanding of and experience with building block circuits such as bandgaps, bias generators, TIAs, op-amps, filters, and LDOs.
- Exposure to EM/Reliability/ESD design best practices.
- Experience working in cross-functional, geographically distributed teams.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $190,000 – $285,000 + 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 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.