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Principal Turbomachinery Engineer

K2 Space· Mechanical
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Los Angeles, CA$175k - $200kFull-timePosted 3w ago

About the role

Lead the design, analysis, manufacture, testing, integration, and deployment of precision turbomachinery for active thermal control systems on K2’s high-power spacecraft platform, spanning mechanical, fluid, electromechanical, and thermal-fluid domains to enable scalable constellation production.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for turbomachinery mechanisms in the spacecraft active thermal control system, including: Architectural down-selection, design, and tolerancing
  • Pump- and mechanism-specific analyses (rotor dynamics, bearings and seals, hydraulic performance, structural, thermal-fluid)
  • Environmental test and qualification plans
  • Ground- and in-flight performance validation plans
  • Supply chain and high-volume manufacturing trades
  • Partner with the thermal and platform architecture teams to scope the long-term K2 pumped-fluid-loop roadmap, and system performance requirements
  • Collaborate with thermal, structures, avionics, and satellite bus teams to determine optimal operations and requirements for the pump, supporting mechanisms, and broader fluid loop
  • Prepare design reviews to secure stakeholder buy-in and communicate expectations across hardware, software, test, and manufacturing teams
  • Own and refine program deliverables and schedules throughout development and production
  • Evaluate and select manufacturing equipment for specialty processes (impeller machining, rotating-assembly balancing, leak/flow test)
  • Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
  • 2+ years of experience design and analysis of turbomachinery in harsh environments
  • Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Skills

Required:Turbomachinery design and analysisGround and in-flight performance validationManufacturing and supplier collaboration

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
Last updated Sep 30, 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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