Job details

Senior Satellite Controller

The Role

In your first 6 months, you will lead development of the integrated satellite-level (proto)qualification testing, including test sequence, test levels, vehicle configuration, procedures, and ground support equipment. In your first year, you will optimize the manufacturing build flow to minimize overall schedule without introducing mission risk. Within two years, you will be leading test campaigns on one or more customer programs in parallel, leveraging relationships you have built to establish strong, scalable external interfaces. While initial operations will be more manual as we exercise the vehicle design, our goal is a fully autonomous constellation. You’ll be the driver of constellation-level control to realize this goal.

Responsibilities

Develop standards for test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness

Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations

Act as a test conductor (and POC, if offsite) for environmental test campaigns

Design, build, and operate electrical and mechanical ground support equipment

Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest

Manage relationships with launch vehicle providers, including contractual deliverables such as interface control documents and environmental test plan justifications

Lead high-visibility (proto)qualification campaigns for development and flight hardware

Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, justify test reductions and optimize vehicle build/test flows for at-rate production

Qualifications

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

5+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects)

Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing

Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration

Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment

Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)

Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds

Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice to Have

Proficient in Python and/or Rust

Experience with Linux systems

Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle)

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 + 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.

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Average salary estimate

$155000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

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$130000K

$180000K

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What You Should Know About Senior Satellite Controller, K2 Space

Are you ready to reach for the stars? At K2 Space in Los Angeles, we’re on the lookout for a Senior Satellite Controller to join our innovative team. In this role, you will dive deep into the fascinating world of satellite operations and play a key role in various exciting projects. Your first six months will involve leading the charge on integrated testing for satellite-level qualifications, creating and optimizing test sequences, and ensuring that our manufacturing processes are as efficient as possible, all while minimizing risk. As you become familiar with our spacecraft, you will be directing test campaigns and cultivating strong relationships with customers and external partners. We’re aiming for a fully autonomous constellation, and your expertise will drive our control systems towards that goal! You’ll develop and establish procedures for ensuring the flightworthiness of spacecraft hardware and software, operate the spacecraft during crucial system tests, and act as the point of contact for high-visibility environmental test campaigns. If you have a passion for space technology and the required experience in testing and integrating spacecraft systems, this is your chance to shine and help us create a universe unlike any other. Join us, and let's make a difference together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Satellite Controller Role at K2 Space

What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Satellite Controller at K2 Space?

The Senior Satellite Controller at K2 Space will develop standards for test procedures to confirm the flightworthiness of spacecraft hardware and software. Key responsibilities also include operating the spacecraft during system tests, acting as a test conductor for environmental campaigns, and managing contractual relationships with launch vehicle providers.