Senior Avionics PCBA Technician
K2 Space
K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.
The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.
We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.
If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.
The Role
You will play a key role in the development and production of the avionics systems for the K2 Mega-class satellite platform. This position requires deep technical expertise in reworking high reliability PCBAs, collaborating closely with Design and Test Engineers, and supporting avionics testing infrastructure and flight builds. You will also support wire harness fabrication as needed to help support the wider team.
Responsibilities
- Perform precision hand soldering and rework of printed circuit boards (PCBs), including removal and replacement of 0402 and smaller SMT components using hot air, micro-soldering, and reflow techniques
- Hand-solder (population/depopulation) Bottom Termination Components (BTC)
- Modify traces or pads and run jumper wire on PCB
- Support subassemblies and fabricate test harnesses for avionics testing
- Perform component kitting from inventory as needed
- Support hardware troubleshooting with Engineering teams to resolve board failures and design updates
- Maintain ESD-safe practices at all times when handling electronics
- Provide training to other technicians to help scale production across development and flight
- Provide consistent process improvement feedback to Engineering and Production Leadership
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience soldering electronic components for PCBAs
- Proficiency with basic tools: soldering irons, hot air tools, and component handling for 0201, 0402, and BGA/QFN packages
- Experience with reballing and reworking fine-pitch BGAs
- Demonstrated ability to rework and repair complex assemblies to IPC-7711/7721 standards
- Experience building and inspecting flight-quality cable and harness assemblies
- Ability to follow schematics, work instructions, and drawings with minimal supervision
- Familiarity with ESD requirements for components and PCB/PCBAs
- Demonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, IPC-7711/7721, J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739.3
- Experience fabricating harnesses from assembly drawings and schematics
- Ability to read, review, and redline electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
- Experience with various potting and encapsulation techniques
- Previous experience supporting environmental or functional testing of avionics assemblies
- Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and sit for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Compensation and Benefits:
- Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $38 – $48 + equity in the company
- Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
