Automation & Controls Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Automation & Controls Engineer (Aerospace): Designing and implementing production automation and control systems for high-power satellite manufacturing with an accent on electromechanical assemblies, PLC automation, and robotics. Focus on increasing production takt rate, optimizing first pass yield, and scaling vertically integrated production systems.

Location: Onsite in Los Angeles, CA

Salary: $100,000 – $140,000 + equity

Company

K2 Space is a Series C startup building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions from LEO to deep space.

What you will do

• Design and develop production tooling and electromechanical automation assemblies in-house or through vendors.
• Lead the hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of robotics, computer vision, and other control systems across the production line.
• Implement HMI strategy and PLC automation to ensure repeatable results and ease of operation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers to ensure seamless automation across hardware and control layers.
• Analyze build flow and process control to implement strategies that increase production takt rate and first pass yield.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials, or a relevant engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environments.
• Proficiency with industrial automation hardware, PLC/HMI/Robotics software control stacks, and electrical/fluid schematics.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Must be a "U.S. Person" (citizen, lawful permanent resident, etc.) or eligible for a federally issued export control license due to ITAR regulations.
• Must be able to work directly with hardware on the production floor in Los Angeles, CA.

Nice to have

• Experience in space, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up, including design improvements for manufacturing.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity ownership in the company.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Life insurance and various other corporate perks.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment contributing to a groundbreaking aerospace mission.