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Mission Payload Engineer (Commercial) Verified today

K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Payload · first seen 2026-07-16
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As a Mission Payload Engineer within Commercial Programs at K2 Space, you will serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners. You will integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2's satellite bus platform, supporting the entire program lifecycle from early proposal phases through spacecraft design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.

What you will do

  • Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle. Support initial proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning.
  • Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration. Lead technical discussions, represent K2 Space in design reviews, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
  • Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation. Define mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces, ensuring clear technical alignment between payload and bus teams.
  • Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans. Develop testing strategies to ensure compliance with mission and interface requirements and oversee final sell-off with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts. Work closely with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams to ensure seamless payload integration.

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in 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.

Preferred qualifications

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • Experience working directly with commercial customers.
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace or space industry.
  • 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 ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.

Compensation

  • Base salary: $100,000 - $135,000 plus equity.
  • Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or American Samoan), or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. This role requires access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations.