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Salary: USD 35 - 45 / hourly
K2 Space is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, backed by over $1 billion in total funding and $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 a Spacecraft Fluids & Pumps Engineering Technician, you will build and test turbopumps and pumped fluid loop hardware that cool K2's high-power satellites, from development units through production. This is a highly hands-on role working across mechanical, fluid, and electromechanical systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assemble precision turbopumps and fluid loop mechanisms (rotating assemblies, bearings, seals, valves, accumulators) to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions
- Build, operate, and maintain development flow loops and test stands, including plumbing, instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Install and check out pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and flow meters
- Fabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform orbital welding and fitting operations to required standards
- Execute hydraulic performance, leak, flow, and proof pressure tests
- Perform fluid loop cleaning, flushing, vacuum evacuation, and working fluid fill/charge per released procedures
- Install pump motors, motorized/solenoid valves, and sensors, including harness routing, connector mating, and termination
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing, test, quality, and design engineering to resolve hardware issues in real time
- Follow detailed work instructions and manufacturing procedures, performing all work in the MES (scanning, material consumption, and as-built traceability)
- Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace
- Provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership
- Support vehicle integration operations and other related departments as needed
Requirements:
- 3+ years of hands-on aerospace or high-reliability assembly and test experience with fluid or rotating hardware (propulsion, thermal control, pumps/compressors, hydraulics, or similar)
- Experience with proof pressure, leak and flow testing
- Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, bending, and fittings (swagelok/compression, AN, VCR, flare, or similar)
- Familiarity with MES/MRP software
- Familiar with calibrated tools including multimeters, megohmmeters, power suppliers, torque wrenches, safety cable guns, and crimpers
- Demonstrated high level of ownership and problem-solving abilities
- Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements
- Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls
- Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or certain protected individual) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license
Nice to have:
- Direct experience with aerospace thermal control/fluid loop or propulsion systems
- Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
- Experience working with engineering teams in development and production environments
- Strong communication skills with ability to communicate hardware and systems problems, and provide feedback on improving tooling processes and part design
- Ability to obtain or current hold top secret/SCI security clearance
