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Principal Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer

K2 Space· Vehicle Operations
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Los Angeles, CA$175k - $200kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Senior manufacturing engineer overseeing the development, qualification, and high-rate production of spacecraft mechanisms (rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies). Leads DFX, builds production flows, develops tooling and automation, and mentors junior engineers to enable scalable, first-time-right flight hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Lead DFX reviews with the Mechanisms Engineering team, providing manufacturability, testability, and assembly guidance across mechanisms, machined components, and assemblies for initial design, flight hardware, and tooling
  • Lead the development of innovative manufacturing systems for spacecraft mechanisms, including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies
  • Set manufacturing policy, standards, and best practices for the Manufacturing Engineering organization, proactively identifying and mitigating manufacturability, process, and quality risks before they surface
  • Plan manufacturing strategy, tooling, and capacity investments ahead of future mechanism designs and program roadmaps
  • Research and pilot new assembly methodologies and automation technologies, using data-driven analysis to optimize current production and inform manufacturing business decisions
  • Create custom tools, automation, and processes — including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software — to support the manufacturing technologies you create and streamline the work of the broader Manufacturing Engineering team
  • Demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with the design teams to continuously improve the manufacturability of the designs
  • Build test articles and support the Mechanisms Engineering team’s development and qualification test campaigns, iterating on hardware and processes as test results come in
  • Develop the subassembly build flow and iterate to create an efficient production flow for the satellite and ensure that build times align with current takt times
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior manufacturing engineers, technicians, and design peers on mechanisms manufacturing best practices
  • Partner with a team of advanced manufacturing engineers to lead R&D of novel manufacturing technologies for current and future spacecraft products

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 10+ years of experience in a high volume, rapid production environment in a manufacturing, integration, and/or design engineering role
  • Demonstrated track record of leading product development and/or process improvement initiatives
  • Strong understanding of mechanisms-specific industry standards such as NASA-STD-5017 and AIAA S-114, as well as familiarity with environmental qualification standards (SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000)
  • Strong understanding of how to set up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds and transitioning from low to high-rate manufacturing
  • Deep understanding of mechanisms subassembly manufacturing technologies, including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies
  • Strong understanding of design-for-excellence (DFX) principles, with the ability to guide design teams across mechanisms, machined components, and mechanical assemblies
  • Strong understanding of GD&T and mechanical assembly drawings, with the ability to review and provide feedback on electrical and mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated ability to set manufacturing policy and proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risk across programs, and to influence cross-functional teams to drive design changes for manufacturability
  • Experience developing or deploying tools, automation, or software that scale the efficiency of a manufacturing engineering team

Skills

Required:Manufacturing LeadershipDFX (Design-for-Excellence)GD&T and mechanical drawingsFirst article to high-rate manufacturing transition
Nice to have:MES software / automation

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 – $200,000 + equity in the company
Last updated Sep 23, 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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