SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 175,000 - 200,000 / annual
K2 Space is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, backed by over $1 billion in funding from leading investors and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers. The company is mass-producing advanced satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space, with multiple launches planned for 2027 and scaling to 100 satellites per year.
As Principal Mechanisms Manufacturing Engineer, you will partner with the Mechanisms Engineering team to ensure manufacturability of complex spacecraft mechanisms including rotational actuators, separation mechanisms, gimbals, and reaction wheel assemblies. In your first six months, you will develop manufacturing methods and tooling, define manufacturing flows for mechanism subsystems, build test articles to support development and qualification campaigns, and provide Design-for-Excellence (DFX) guidance. In your first year, you will implement advanced manufacturing techniques on flight hardware and scale production to meet growing demand.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead DFX reviews with the Mechanisms Engineering team, providing manufacturability, testability, and assembly guidance
- Lead development of innovative manufacturing systems for spacecraft mechanisms
- Set manufacturing policy, standards, and best practices for the Manufacturing Engineering organization, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
- 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
- Create custom tools, automation, and processes—including Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software—to support manufacturing technologies and streamline team workflows
- Demonstrate advanced manufacturing techniques on prototypes, working with design teams to improve manufacturability
- Build test articles and support qualification test campaigns, iterating on hardware and processes
- Develop subassembly build flows and ensure efficient production aligned with takt times
- Mentor junior manufacturing engineers, technicians, and design peers on mechanisms manufacturing best practices
- Partner with advanced manufacturing engineers to lead R&D of novel manufacturing technologies for current and future spacecraft products
As a Principal on the team, you will set manufacturing policy and standards, proactively flag risk in upcoming designs, plan ahead for manufacturability of future programs, and build tools that make the broader Manufacturing Engineering team faster and more effective.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or other relevant engineering discipline
- 10+ years of experience in a high-volume, rapid production environment in manufacturing, integration, and/or design engineering
- Note: The posting encourages applications even if you don't meet 100% of preferred skills and experience.
