Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer

The Role 

From your very first day, you’ll be hands-on with real spacecraft – leading integrated test campaigns, mastering the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health. You’ll then carry that experience into Mission Operations, where you’ll command vehicles from the moment they leave the pad through the earliest moments in orbit. As we scale our fleet, you’ll become an architect of on-orbit operations: designing the playbooks, tools, and systems needed to fly dozens, then hundreds, of satellites. This role is your chance to directly shape how we operate an entire space constellation.  

Responsibilities 

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

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

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

• Serve as a key operator during on-orbit operations, responsible for real-time decision-making and coordination 

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

• 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 

• Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, and anomaly resolution 

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

• Experience operating vehicles in a mission or production setting 

• 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 $100,000 – $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 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.