Satellite Mechanical Engineer

The Role

You will own the success of the photovoltaic (PV) assemblies that power our spacecraft, which will be among the largest solar arrays to ever reach orbit. In your first 6 months you will complete the detailed design and analysis of the PV assembly, participate in solar array build process trades, define development test campaigns, and produce our first full development arrays. Within your first year, you will bring the PV assembly through qualification and drive the integration of flight arrays onto our Mega-class spacecraft. In your first two years, you will lead the design of successive PV assemblies while supporting and refining the characterization of their on-orbit performance.

Responsibilities

• Bring PV assemblies through design, qualification, and on-orbit operations to meet internal and external stakeholder needs

• Refine the design and layout of solar array conductors and their interconnections

• Evaluate the performance of PV systems including light current and voltage, and electroluminescence testing

• Participate in process development for the assembly and handling of large solar arrays

• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to deliver critical components for the PV assembly

• Understand multi-disciplinary impacts while performing hardware trades within a cross-functional team

Qualifications

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

• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

• 2+ years of experience with electromechanical design and analysis 

Nice to Have

• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications

• Familiarity with terrestrial or spacecraft solar arrays

• Experience with flexible polymeric and/or composite laminate structures as well as associated adhesive processes

• Familiarity with flexible circuit and harness assemblies

• Experience with the practical application of GD&T

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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.