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Principal Mission Payload Engineer

K2 Space· National Security Programs
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Los Angeles, CA$175k - $230kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Primary technical interface between K2 Space, customers, and partners to integrate advanced payload capabilities onto the satellite bus. Supports the full program lifecycle from proposals through on-orbit operations, leading payload interfaces, integration, test, and customer engagements.

Responsibilities

  • Manage payload integration across the full satellite lifecycle (proposals, design, development, integration, testing, launch, on-orbit commissioning).
  • Serve as the primary customer interface for payload integration; lead technical discussions and represent K2 Space in design reviews to ensure customer requirements are met.
  • Develop, maintain, and negotiate payload interface control documentation (mechanical, electrical, software, power, mission).
  • Create and execute payload interface verification and validation plans; develop testing strategies and oversee final sell-off with stakeholders.
  • Coordinate cross-functional integration efforts with vehicle engineering, avionics, software, propulsion, thermal, and AI&T teams.
  • Assist in training new team members.
  • Develop common process workflows and tools to improve operation efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years in aerospace/space industry with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads.
  • 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience.
  • Hands-on experience developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads.

Skills

Required:Payload integrationInterface control documentationProject managementCustomer engagementPhysical/Software/Power interfaces

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks.
Last updated Sep 2, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About K2 Space

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Building the largest satellites in orbit. Ultra-powerful, scalable platforms engineered for LEO–cislunar missions. Explore the next-generation of satellites.

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