Environmental Test Technician

K2 Space•Los Angeles, CA

11h•$32 - $45

About The Position

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits. With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger 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 C space startup, we’d love for you to apply. The Role You will be responsible for executing and overseeing complex test campaigns, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, of satellite components and systems. This role will support development of the Mega Class satellite and future versions of the spacecraft. In your first 6 months you will contribute to the layout and organization of the environmental test lab.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in environmental testing preferably in the aerospace industry
Experience conducting and leading tests such as thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and thermal cycling for aerospace components
Proven experience in setting up and executing complex environmental tests with minimal supervision
Experience working in a highly iterative environment
Ability to operate autonomously and make decisions in real-time during testing operations
Excellent organization and communication skills with attention to detail during data analysis, reporting, and presenting findings to test engineers
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Familiarity with MES platforms such as SpaceX Warp Drive or similar systems
Proficiency with DAQ systems (NI DAQ, Keysight) used in capturing test data
Must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience in a fast-paced production development environment
Experience with in-space electro-mechanical assemblies
Experience with basic machining or fabrication using shop equipment

Responsibilities

Independently program, instrument and operate various test assets, including typical environmental test applications (thermal, thermal-vacuum, vibration shaker, mechanical shock simulators, tension testers) and non-typical development test apparatuses (e.g. gravity offloaders, structural test fixtures)
Collaborate with engineering on test planning, fixture design, instrumentation, and test data analysis for thermal, dynamics, and mechanical testing
Deliver accurate and calibrated measurements along with measurement insights
Partner with engineering to analyze and interpret test data for troubleshooting hardware and test discrepancies
Maintain test lab equipment, manage inventory of test consumables, and work on 5S improvement projects
Responsible for preventative maintenance of test equipment
As part of a small team, you will perform other tasks to support manufacturing as needed