Senior Development Test Technician

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

As a Senior Development Test Technician, you will play a critical role validating next-generation spacecraft hardware for the Mega Class satellite. In this role you will be working side-by-side with Design, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers helping establish the Mega Structures Lab, execute development test campaigns, develop test procedures, build custom test setups, and perform structural and mechanical testing. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, mechanically inclined, and comfortable making informed decisions while raising technical risks and concerns, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Responsibilities

Build, assemble, modify, and tear down complex development test stands, fixtures, and one-off engineering hardware

Prepare test articles, for development and qualification testing

Execute static load, proof load, structural verification, leak checks, and subsystem development testing

Assemble hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems used during testing

Install, route, and verify instrumentation and data acquisition hardware, including load cells, strain gauges, displacement sensors, accelerometers, thermocouples, video systems, and test harnesses

Perform fabrication and modification to fixtures and test hardware using manual machining, drilling, cutting, grinding, sanding, and other shop tools to support rapid iteration

Collaborate closely with Structural, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers throughout development

Troubleshoot test equipment, instrumentation, fixtures, and hardware anomalies

Identify technical risks and opportunities to improve tooling, test methods, lab processes, and overall test reliability

Monitor inventory of tooling, fittings, hoses, consumables, and other test equipment

Participate in rigging, crane, and lifting operations for test articles and test equipment

Process work orders, lab maintenance requests, and test documentation as required

Maintain lab readiness through 5S, calibration tracking, preventative maintenance, and equipment upkeep

Operate independently with a high level of ownership while raising technical concerns and driving safe test execution

Qualifications

7+ years of hands-on aerospace development, environmental test, or structural test experience

Experience working with high energy test systems and promoting a strong safety culture through rigorous procedures and best practices.

Experience assembling complex mechanical systems from engineering drawings

Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills

Experience operating DAQ systems (Dewesoft, MTS, Revel, or similar)

Experience assembling hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Experience operating cranes, forklifts, lifting equipment, and rigging safety

Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate technical risks and concerns

Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Nice to Have

Direct experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aircraft development

Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)

Experience operating MTS systems, Instron or Frank Bacon load frames, and Data Physics vibration systems

Experience with harness and connector selection / fabrication

Airframe & Powerplant License

Ability to obtain or current hold top secret/SCI security clearance

Additional Requirements

Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls

Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $ 40 - $52 + equity in the company

Compensation 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.