Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

The role

You will serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners to integrate advanced payload capabilities onto the satellite bus platform. You will support the entire program lifecycle from proposal through on-orbit operations.

What you will do

• Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration.
• Lead technical discussions and represent K2 Space in design reviews.
• Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation.
• Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces.
• Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans.
• Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements.
• Oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts with various engineering teams.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
• 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience working directly with National Security customers.
• 5+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
• Hands-on spacecraft integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred; willing to pursue and maintain a clearance if not already cleared.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Many other perks

Before you apply

• 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.

About the company

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions from LEO to deep space. The company is mass-producing high-power satellite platforms and is a high-growth Series D-funded company.