Spacecraft Fluids & Pumps Engineering Technician

About the role

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 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

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $35 - $45 + equity in the company
• Compensation 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!

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 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.