Vehicle Operations Engineer

The Role

In your first 6 months, you will lead design and integration of a Hardware In the Loop (HITL) testbed, including software tooling required to interact with the testbed. In your first year, you will establish a standardized test philosophy that encompasses the needs of internal and external customers, delivering robust system-level acceptance test procedures that confirm vehicle hardware is healthy before leaving the factory. Within your first two years, you will be leading test campaigns on multiple spacecraft in parallel and developing skills and tools required to manage an expanding fleet with diverse program requirements efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Author test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness

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

• Lead high-visibility integration campaigns for development and flight hardware

• Manage configuration of HITL testbed to ensure fidelity meets customer requirements

• Design, build, and operate electrical and mechanical ground support equipment to interface with the HITL testbed and the spacecraft

• 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

• Identify and elevate off-nominal conditions during test, and drive issues to resolution by engaging with the wider engineering team

• Clearly communicate status, needs, and risks to the entire K2 Space team (and payload providers) during high-intensity test operations

• Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, and clearly communicate mitigations and trade-offs

Qualifications

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

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

• Competency with analog and digital circuits, sensors/instrumentation, and software

• Familiarity with basic RF, fluids, statics and mechanics, and data acquisition systems

Nice to Have

• 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

• Proficient in Python and/or Rust

• Experience with Linux systems

• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $95,000 - $150,000 + 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.