Bus Vehicle Lead

About the role

As a Vehicle Lead in Platform (Bus) Engineering at K2 Space, you will play a pivotal role in driving the overall development and integration of our satellite bus for mission success. You will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting as a deputy program manager internally and with customers. You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time. As a vehicle lead for specific missions, you will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch. In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Develop and manage engineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation, and mission success.
• Strategic Development: Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Program Execution: Drive engineering and flight readiness activities to meet mission and contract commitments.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical changes, and mitigate risks.
• Customer Engagement: Engage with customers to ensure technical compliance and successful mission integration.
• Systems Development: Establish and improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth.
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline
• 4+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 2+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams
• Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline
• 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 4+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
• Experience leading Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, test, and/or launch across multiple departments
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures
• Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions
• Familiarity with contracts and mission requirements evaluations
• Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Pay

Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $185,000 + equity in the company. Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 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!

Export Compliance: The person hired for this role must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.