SMT Manufacturing Engineer

K2 Space•Los Angeles, CA

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’ll be at the heart of bringing flight hardware to life. You will own Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment and processes, working closely with production teams to support development and production of the K2 Mega-class satellite. You will shape build processes and solve hands-on manufacturing challenges in real time, and your work will directly impact the performance and reliability of hardware destined for space. This role is built for someone who learns quickly, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to take ownership early. You’ll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into increasingly complex challenges as we push towards higher-rate production in an environment unlike anywhere else.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline
2+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environment
Strong hands-on aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floor
Exposure to precision assembly or electromechanical integration processes
Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation
Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. Unassisted

Nice To Haves

Hand soldering ability and PCB rework experience
Ability to read, review, and redline electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
Experience performing crimping, wire stripping, continuity testing
Experience using test and measuring tools (digital multimeter, oscilloscopes, calipers)
Experience with various potting and epoxies
Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems

Responsibilities

Develop, support, and continuously improve SMT assembly equipment and processes, including but not limited to: pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, solder paste printers, solder paste inspection (SPI), automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray, conformal coating systems, epoxy/adhesive dispensers, and lamination equipment
Develop and optimize reflow profiles, stencil designs, and solder paste processes to achieve high first-pass yield on complex, high-reliability assemblies
Program, operate, and troubleshoot automated SMT equipment, including placement programs, feeder setups, and vision/inspection systems
Work closely with Quality and Production teams to maintain build cadence and ensure hardware meets acceptance criteria.
Create and maintain work instructions, assembly procedures, and process documentation, and capture as-built records and traceability through the MES
Develop inspection criteria and methods for assemblies for non-conformances.
Develop functional tests of components and assemblies
Monitor process performance (yield, defect trends, SPC) and provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership
Support tooling inspection, maintenance, and readiness activities for solar manufacturing operations