Senior Mission Payload Engineer (TS//SCI)

K2 Space • Los Angeles, CA

4d

About The Position

K2 is seeking a Senior Mission Payload Engineer to serve as the primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners for integrating advanced payload capabilities onto K2’s satellite bus platform. This role supports the entire program lifecycle, from initial proposals through spacecraft design, development, integration, testing, and on-orbit operations. The engineer will collaborate with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop integration and test plans for successful mission execution. The position also involves representing K2 Space in customer engagements, design reviews, and verification milestones. The ideal candidate possesses strong multi-disciplinary engineering skills, hands-on experience, and excellent communication abilities for effective collaboration with National Security customers and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working in the 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience working directly with National Security customers.
• 8+ years of experience working in the aerospace or space industry, working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
• 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 the ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred; willing to pursue and maintain a clearance if not already cleared.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Development, 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.

Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior