Spacecraft Fluids & Pumps Engineering 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 Fluids & Pumps Engineering Technician, you will build and test the turbopumps and pumped fluid loop hardware that cool our high-power satellites, from development units through production. The ideal candidate is a highly hands-on technician comfortable working across mechanical, fluid, and electromechanical systems in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Assemble precision turbopumps and fluid loop mechanisms (rotating assemblies, bearings, seals, valves, accumulators) hardware to engineering drawings, BOMs, and work instructions
Build, operate, and maintain development flow loops and test stands, including plumbing, instrumentation, and dataacquisition
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
Qualifications
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
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
Additional Requirements
Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bendin