Avionics Test Engineer

The Role

You will own the success of avionics testing involving the computing, data acquisition, RF, and power subsystems that are key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and software to deliver flight avionics through ATP and QTP for the first Mega satellite integration. You will be working alongside the Electrical Engineering team to understand system interfacing, validate prototype hardware, define test criteria, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support electrical development testing

• Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs

• Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff, through test report, and beyond

• Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems at the integrated level

• Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, Python, C++, Rust, etc.

• Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing readiness including upgrades to support avionics hardware lifecycle

• Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds 

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

• 2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software management 

• Practical programming abilities (Python, C++, Rust)

• Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have

• Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment

• Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing

• Experience with RF Systems testing, including antenna characterization and insertion loss tests

• Experience with the practical application of serial and ethernet communications

• Understanding of the failure modes of electrical systems in space environments

• Demonstrated ability to own electrical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team

• Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $160,000 + 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 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.