Spacecraft Propulsion Technician

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion 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 in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward 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 high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Technician, you will be part of the team developing and scaling production of the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever put into orbit. In this role you will support Hall effect thruster assembly, COPV proof testing, and system level production acceptance testing. The ideal candidate is a highly hands-on technician comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Perform hands-on assembly of the Hall thruster and sub-assemblies to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions
Support system integration and high-pressure operations following released procedures and safety protocols; leak checks, proof testing, pressure system functional verification on feed system and COPVs
Fabricate, bend, fit, and install precision tubing and fluid lines; perform and fitting operations to required standards
Fabricate wire harnesses from assembly drawings and electrical schematics
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 system (scanning, material consumption, and built traceability)
Support setup of vacuum chamber for acceptance and performance testing
Support receiving, inspection, and handling of COPVs
Practice 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable workspace
Provide consistent process improvement feedback to engineering and production leadership
Occasionally support vehicle integration operations and other related departments
Qualifications
3+ years of hands-on aerospace assembly and test experience in propulsion, pressure systems, fluid systems, or high-reliability hardware
Experience with pressure testing, leak checking, proof/burst testing, or COPV handling
Familiarity with MES/MRP software
Familiar with calibrated tools including multi-meters, 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
Nice to Have
Direct experience with electric propulsion systems and familiarity with pressure testing, vacuum chambers, turbo pumps, roughing pumps, gauges
Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
Experience working with engineering teams in development and production environments
Experience operating forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment
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 currently hold top secret/SCI security clearance
Additional 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