Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician (Optical)

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 support the fabrication and assembly of optical subsystems, production tooling, and generate hardware performance records. This role will support manufacturing and development of the K2 Mega-class satellite and future generations of the spacecraft. The ideal candidate possesses advanced mechanical skills, will seek ownership over quality and reliability, is meticulous and tenacious, and is familiar with the handling and testing of optical components. A strong background in optical manufacturing, R&D and testing is desired.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with design engineering throughout the hardware development and pre-production stages, supporting component assembly and validation testing
• Perform precision inspection, cleaning, bonding, and troubleshooting of optical components to exacting tolerances
• Operate precision tooling including microscopes, adhesive dispensing systems, UV curing equipment, and optical alignment tooling to support next-generation hardware
• Execute work from verbal instructions, engineering drawings, and technical procedures with minimal supervision, adapting quickly as designs evolve
• Build, align, integrate, test, and maintain optical systems — including delicate freespace optics and mechanics, thermal management hardware, and fiber optic assemblies
• Own test setup, execution, and data reporting, ensuring accuracy and traceability across all builds
• Maintain ground support equipment performance and calibration
• Champion laser safety and cleanliness standards on the production floor, holding yourself and the team accountable to the highest standards
• Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace
• Thrive in fast paced/ all-hands-on-deck production environment, jumping in wherever needed to hit mission timelines

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience assembling, integrating, and testing optical hardware or adjacent hardware (e.g., technical hardware utilizing optical sensors, fibers, sources, or high-resolution mechanisms)
• Proficiency with computers and ability to use MS Office and shop floor management software
• Demonstrate high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrate ability to learn, adapt and work independently
• Demonstrate dexterity and ability to handle delicate objects in a dynamic lab environment
• Demonstrate ability to communicate and prioritize team success
• Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware, and clean room requirements
• Experience with optical cleanliness or similar (e.g., use of lab solvents like HPLC IPA, Acetone, Methanol and delicate cleaning methods)
• Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Nice to Have

• Experience with optical metrology equipment such as interferometers, autocollimators, laser trackers, theodolites, power meters
• Experience with handling optical fiber and optical fiber technology such as fiber splicers, polarization components, fiber polishing & cleaning, fiber cleaving
• Experience with lasers and laser safety
• Experience with optical wavefront optimization through alignment
• Ability to troubleshoot or develop production code in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB or similar
• Able to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
• Operate machining equipment such as a lathe, mill, drill press
• Experience working with engineering in development and production environments
• Strong communication skills with ability to provide feedback to engineering teams to improve tooling processes and part design
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes and parts
• Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail

Pay

Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $40 - $45 + equity in the company. Compensation 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/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

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