Avionics Test Engineer, Optical Verified today
The Role
K2 operates its own vehicles and manifests regular launches to space, positioning the company to design, test, and deploy optical payloads at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform. The payloads are the mission.
As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will develop production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will work alongside the Optical team to validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
- Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing
- Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
- Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
- Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
- Own project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
- Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
- Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
- Strong programming abilities in Python, C++, or Rust
- Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures
Nice to Have
- Experience with design and testing of optical systems
- Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks
- Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
- Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
- Understanding of failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
- Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
- Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary range: $100,000 to $150,000 plus equity
- Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave
Export Compliance
This role requires access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. You must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as refugee or asylee) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.