Principal Development Test Engineer

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want 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 B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

As Principal Development Test Engineer, you will own the success of testing mechanical structures, materials, and electromechanical subsystems that will be key to our satellite operation. You will anticipate company needs and stand‑up infrastructure to support the core and future business. In your first 6 months, you will define large‑scale development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands‑on with flight hardware.

In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive company‑wide best practices and make a large positive impact on the success of the K2 Space by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team.

• Design and fabricate test hardware, test stands, and test systems, as well as execute development tests for structures, components, and materials in order to support internal and external customer needs.
• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff through test report and beyond.
• Drive hands‑on hardware development testing, analysis processing/data reduction, and continuous improvement of testing methods and best practices across the company.
• Steer the development of data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems at the integrated level and develop internal tools and company‑wide best practices.
• Collaborate with a cross‑functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods and project test schedules, and mentor early‑career engineers.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis.
• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms).
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages.

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ).
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T.
• Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM.
• Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh).
• Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW).
• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations.
• Independent and self‑motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

• Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $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.
• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision…