Senior Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial)

TL;DR

Senior Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial): Building and integrating advanced payload capabilities onto K2’s satellite bus platform across the full spacecraft program lifecycle with an accent on payload interface definition, verification/validation planning, and customer-facing technical execution. Focus on solving complex mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interface alignment challenges while coordinating cross-functional integration and on-orbit commissioning.

Company

K2 Space Corporation builds high-power satellites for missions from LEO to deep space.

What you will do

• Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle, from early proposals through design, development, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit commissioning.
• Act as the primary customer technical interface for payload integration, leading technical discussions and representing K2 Space in design reviews and verification milestones.
• Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation, defining mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces between payload and bus teams.
• Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans, including testing strategies and final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in the aerospace/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 developing, integrating, and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.

Culture & Benefits

• Base salary range: $135,000–$175,000 + equity.
• Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Fast-paced environment supporting non-traditional career paths.