Propulsion Design Engineer
$100k - $175k 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
You will be critical to designing the hardware for a propulsion system that will unlock new achievable mission concepts and increase our access to deep space. You will own the success of propulsion hardware that will be key to the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. As part of a multidisciplinary team, your role will involve mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware.
Responsibilities
- Own the mechanical design of propulsion system subassemblies including critical thruster components, the propellant management system, ground support equipment, and other structural components
- Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations
- Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents
- Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance
- Develop and execute component and system-level test plans
- Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery
- Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable schedules throughout development and production
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
- 3+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
- Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
- Experience with the practical application of GD&T
- Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids
- Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback
Nice to Have
- Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, Robotics Clubs, Formula/Baja SAE, NASA student launch etc.)
- Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration
- Familiarity with cutting-edge testing and validation techniques
- Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, this may include flight feed system or pressurized tanks
- Experience with designing and qualifying avionics enclosures
- Knowledgeable on the thrust stands for Hall thrusters and feed system components
- Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $175,000 + 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.