Propulsion Electrical Test Engineer

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciapark/2025/12/11/this-startup-is-building-huge-satellites-for-an-underused-interstellar-sweet-spot/?ctpv=searchpage from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.  The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.  With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.  The Role  You will own the success of avionics testing involving the development of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. In your first 6 months, you will be pivotal in developing production quality test hardware and software to deliver flight avionics through ATP and QTP for the Mega satellite constellation. As part of a multidisciplinary propulsion team, you will work alongside electrical, propulsion, mechanical, manufacturing, test and automation engineers to validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, conduct propulsion system hot-fire tests, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.   Responsibilities  Lead setup, execution, and analysis of tests on electronic hardware, including circuit boards and spacecraft power systems  Troubleshoot complex electronics, test setups, and anomalies in collaboration with engineering teams  Support environmental and functional testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing  Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support propulsion development testing  Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Linux, Python, C++, Rust, etc  Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff, through test report, and beyond  Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level  Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of flight avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle  Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds  Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules  Qualifications  Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience  2+ years of experience in hardware testing, validation, or related roles  Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, Rust)  Solid understanding of electronic circuits, schematics, and components  Experience designing multi-layer PCBAs for high-power or avionics applications  Nice to Have  Experience designing analog control loops, solid state load switches, motor inverters, EMI/EMC compliance, or sensor signal conditioning circuits  Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment  Proficient with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice  Experience with component selection for use in radiation environments  Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing  Experience with power processing units (PPU) for electric propulsion testing  Understanding of the failure modes of electrical systems in space environments  Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints  Compensation and Benefits:  Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + equity in the company  Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level  Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks  If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. Export Compliance As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.” The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. Equal Opportunity K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Offices: (Los Angeles);