Propulsion Electrical Test Engineer

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 and an additional $500M in signed contracts, 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.

About the role

You will own the success of avionics testing involving the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and software to deliver flight avionics through ATP and QTP for the Mega satellite constellation. As part of a multidisciplinary propulsion team, you will work alongside electrical, propulsion, mechanical, manufacturing, test and automation engineers to validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones.

In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, conduct propulsion system hot-fire tests, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup, execution, and analysis of tests on electronic hardware, including circuit boards and spacecraft power systems
• Troubleshoot complex electronics, test setups, and anomalies in collaboration with engineering teams
• Support environmental and functional testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing
• Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support propulsion development testing
• Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, Python, C++, Rust, etc
• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff, through test report, and beyond
• Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
• Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of flight avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
• Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in hardware testing, validation, or related roles
• Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, Rust)
• Solid understanding of electronic circuits, schematics, and components
• Experience designing multi-layer PCBAs for high-power or avionics applications

Skills

• Experience designing analog control loops, solid state load switches, motor inverters, EMI/EMC compliance, or sensor signal conditioning circuits
• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
• Proficient with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice
• Experience with component selection for use in radiation environments
• Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
• Experience with power processing units (PPU) for electric propulsion testing
• Understanding of the failure modes of electrical systems in space environments
• Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

Pay

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + equity in the company. Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.

We value in-person collaboration, and this role requires an onsite presence full time at our Headquarters in Torrance, California.

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, due to access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR.