Manager, Ground Test
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'll oversee all powered up operations of the vehicle from first power up through liftoff at the launch site. In this role, you’ll shape the test architecture that ensures every vehicle is ready for flight. You’ll define how we validate our hardware, why tests exist, and when they should occur. You’ll also build the training, tools, and processes that empower technicians to execute with confidence and accelerate the production machine.
A core part of your charter is to scale through automation. Design yourself and team out of repetitive work by creating systems that are faster, smarter, and more reliable than manual intervention. You’ll drive the strategy and rollout of automation across the test lifecycle and unlock the throughput to hit ambitious production targets.
Beyond integrated test campaigns, you’ll influence HITL development, strengthen alignment with Mission Operations, and equip future engineers with the vehicle context they need. This is a role for someone who wants to build a team, build the system, and ultimately build the engine that elevates the entire program.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a world-class test team – hire, mentor, and develop experts in test engineering, automation, and integration
- Define the ground test architecture and continuously refine what we test, why it matters, and when tests are executed
- Own all powered-up activities of the satellite from first activation through launch-day activities at the pad
- Establish operational standards and best practices that enable high-rate production and consistent flight readiness
- Provide vehicle context and mentorship to future engineering waves and mission operators
- Monitor test performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement continuous improvements that elevate team and system effectiveness
- Partner with software teams to influence operator tools and improve the vehicle behavior through suggesting software changes
- Own HITL table design and supporting infrastructure that will scale with operational demands
- Drive overhead associated with payload integration, testing, and HITL configurations to near-zero through automation and streamlined processes
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, aerospace, or related engineering field
- 5+ years of test engineering experience
- Experience leading projects through prototype builds and scaling to production
- Experience creating clear, effective work instructions, process documentation, and tooling designs
- Experience defining test campaigns, automation, work instructions, process documentation
- Track record of driving strategic decisions with production, technical test definition discussions with RE teams, and having a strong understanding of how the software works on production vehicles
Nice to Have
- 10+ years of test engineering experience
- Experience leading and/or managing large teams on technically complex programs across development and build process
- Familiarity with multiple subsystems from a test perspective (mechanisms, GNC, RF, power, avionics, and payloads)
- Experience with cleanroom operations and spacecraft assembly requirements
- Experience leading integration efforts for high-volume or highly automated production test environments
- Exceptional cross-team communication and problem-solving skills
- Experience managing customers, their test requirements, and investigations that include scenarios without customer presence
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance with SAP eligibility
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $160,000 - $215,000 + equity in the company
- Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including 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.
