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Principal Mission Payload Engineer Verified today

K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Payload · first seen 2026-09-03
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The Role

As Principal Mission Payload Engineer within National Security Programs, you'll be the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners. You'll integrate advanced payload capabilities onto K2's satellite bus platform across the entire program lifecycle: proposal, design, development, integration, test, and on-orbit operations.

You'll work closely with Program Managers and engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data, software, power, mission) and develop integration and test plans. You'll represent K2 Space in customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones, and help shape how Mission Payload Engineering operates internally and externally.

Responsibilities

  • Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle: proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit commissioning
  • Serve as primary customer interface for payload integration; lead technical discussions and represent K2 at design reviews
  • Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation covering mechanical, electrical, software, power, and mission interfaces
  • Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans; develop testing strategies and oversee final sell-off
  • Coordinate cross-functional integration with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams
  • Assist in training new team members and develop process workflows and tools for efficient operations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years 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 developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or aerospace systems
  • Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads

Nice to Have

  • Master's degree in engineering
  • Direct experience with National Security customers
  • 10+ years aerospace or space industry experience
  • Hands-on spacecraft or aerospace integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure across multiple parallel priorities
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance; willing to pursue and maintain clearance if not already cleared

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary: $175,000 - $230,000 plus equity
  • Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional perks

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer, hiring on the basis of merit and competence without regard to protected status.