Mission Lead Engineer, National Security Programs at K2 Space

Compensation

$100,000 – $180,000/yr

Location: Los Angeles, California
Type: Full-time
Level: Lead
Posted: Feb 16, 2026

Description

K2 Space is hiring a Mission Lead Engineer for its National Security Programs team to serve as the primary technical interface between the company, customers, and partners. The role focuses on early technical engagement, mission architecture development, payload-to-bus compatibility, requirements negotiation, proposal support, and program execution for advanced payloads on K2’s satellite bus platform. The ideal candidate has strong multidisciplinary spacecraft engineering experience, excellent communication skills, and familiarity with national security space systems. Compensation includes a $100,000 to $180,000 base salary plus equity and comprehensive benefits.

Required Skills

Mission architecture
Cross-functional engineering
Spacecraft systems
Communication

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
Required Previous Experiences: 5+ years of experience in the aerospace or space industry working with spacecraft or space systems
Direct experience designing, developing, integrating, or testing spacecraft or space systems
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree or above in an engineering discipline
10+ years of experience in the aerospace or space industry working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, airborne systems, or payloads
Experience working directly with National Security customers and systems
Satellite constellation modeling, simulation, and analysis experience
Payload performance modeling and analysis
Deep understanding of national security enterprise ground systems and architectures
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

About K2 Space

K2 Space

Aerospace and DefenseTorrance, CA11-50

Building the largest satellites in orbit. Ultra-powerful, scalable platforms engineered for LEO, MEO, GEO and cislunar missions. Explore the next-generation of satellites.

Open roles: 113
New in 30 days: 43
Founded: 2022

View full company profile