Job DescriptionJob Description Program Manager - Simulator Deployment and Sustainment Job Description Position Summary The Program Manager is the senior frontline management position responsible for leading a team of Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a multi-year program delivering training simulators to a national footprint of US Government facilities. This role focuses on the overall program health and performance ensuring the firm-fixed price program is delivered on time, within budget, and to customer satisfaction. This program carries significant contract value, hardware and software procurement, configuration-managed baselines, and milestone deadlines with direct schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. While the Program Manager role primary focus is to lead a strategically important program, there is also emphasis on team leadership, portfolio oversight, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational objectives. The Program Manager serves as a key link between program execution and executive leadership, and as a senior point of contact for prime contractors, Government stakeholders, and end customers on a high-consequence program. Responsibilities Direct Program Management • Directly manage strategically important program with national multi-site rollouts under firm-fixed-price terms. • Provide hands-on program leadership during critical phases, installations, test events, or resource constraints. • Own scope, schedule, cost, and quality on assigned programs and manage milestone deadlines where slips carry contractual, financial, and liquidated-damages exposure. Customer & Stakeholder Management • Serves as the senior customer-facing point of contact; running program reviews, IPRs, and customer briefings • Manage customer expectations and satisfaction through installation and site activation. • Handle change requests, exceptions, and scope conversations with the prime and the Government. • Build long-term customer relationships that position follow-on work and option-year exercise. • Align project/program priorities with organizational strategy and objectives. • Communicate program status, risks, and strategic issues to executive leadership. • Serve as an escalation point for critical customer issues and program decisions. • Interface with prime contractors and Government stakeholders, managing flow-down obligations, submittals, approvals, and deliverable commitments. Program Oversight & Project Health • Monitor the health, status, and performance within the program, including multi-site national deployments and long-duration programs with option years. • Review project schedules, budgets, and risk profiles to identify issues requiring intervention. • Ensure consistent application of project management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management (CCB-governed baseline) methodologies and standards. Cost, Schedule & Procurement Management • Oversee cost and schedule baselines, applying earned value and other performance measures to keep firm-fixed-price program within budget. • Guide management of Other Direct Costs, including procurement, vendor coordination, and supply-chain risk. • Ensure integrated master schedule is maintained and that critical-path risks to installation, testing, and site activation are identified and mitigated early. • Oversee contract deliverables required for the prime contractor to meet its obligations to the customer. Resource & Capacity Management • Allocate project management resources based on project priorities to identify capacity constraints. • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, installation, and operations and maintenance) to ensure adequate staffing and support for project delivery. Team Leadership & Development • Directly manage and supervise Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and career development discussions with direct reports. • Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance on project management best practices. • Identify training needs and support professional development of team members. • Foster a collaborative team environment and promote knowledge sharing across the organization. • Participate in hiring, onboarding, and resource planning. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Aviation, Business, or related field. • 15+ years of experience in program or project management, including large-scale, multi-site technical systems. • 5+ years of experience in a management or team leadership capacity, leading project managers or technical leads. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. • Demonstrated experience delivering firm-fixed-price programs of significant value (multi-million dollar) with multi-year periods of performance and option years. • Experience as a subcontractor program manager interfacing with a prime contractor and a Government end customer, including managing flow-down requirements and deliverables. • Strong understanding of systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management / controlled baselines (CCB) processes. • Experience with cost and schedule control, including integrated master scheduling. • Experience managing milestone-driven contracts, including risk and issue management under schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. • Experience with project management and work management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA), and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). • Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Position of Public Trust Clearance. • Must be able to comply with U.S. trade and export-control requirements (ITAR, EAR, OFAC, FTR). • Must be a U.S. citizen. Preferred Qualifications • MBA or Master's degree in engineering, management, or a related field. • Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. • Agile or Scrum certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe). • Direct experience on U.S. Government programs, including FAA or National Airspace System (NAS) programs. Working knowledge of ATC concepts, airfield/tower operations, and simulation/training environments. • Aviation certifications or background (e.g., FAA Control Tower Operator, Pilot License, or equivalent controller/aviation experience). • Experience managing hardware/software procurement and supply-chain logistics on large-value programs. • Active or recently held Public Trust or higher clearance. Travel Requirements Domestic and international travel may be required, including travel to customer and installation sites across a national footprint to support deployments, test events, site activations, and program reviews. Work Location Germantown, MD
09/22/2026
Full time
Job DescriptionJob Description Program Manager - Simulator Deployment and Sustainment Job Description Position Summary The Program Manager is the senior frontline management position responsible for leading a team of Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a multi-year program delivering training simulators to a national footprint of US Government facilities. This role focuses on the overall program health and performance ensuring the firm-fixed price program is delivered on time, within budget, and to customer satisfaction. This program carries significant contract value, hardware and software procurement, configuration-managed baselines, and milestone deadlines with direct schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. While the Program Manager role primary focus is to lead a strategically important program, there is also emphasis on team leadership, portfolio oversight, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational objectives. The Program Manager serves as a key link between program execution and executive leadership, and as a senior point of contact for prime contractors, Government stakeholders, and end customers on a high-consequence program. Responsibilities Direct Program Management • Directly manage strategically important program with national multi-site rollouts under firm-fixed-price terms. • Provide hands-on program leadership during critical phases, installations, test events, or resource constraints. • Own scope, schedule, cost, and quality on assigned programs and manage milestone deadlines where slips carry contractual, financial, and liquidated-damages exposure. Customer & Stakeholder Management • Serves as the senior customer-facing point of contact; running program reviews, IPRs, and customer briefings • Manage customer expectations and satisfaction through installation and site activation. • Handle change requests, exceptions, and scope conversations with the prime and the Government. • Build long-term customer relationships that position follow-on work and option-year exercise. • Align project/program priorities with organizational strategy and objectives. • Communicate program status, risks, and strategic issues to executive leadership. • Serve as an escalation point for critical customer issues and program decisions. • Interface with prime contractors and Government stakeholders, managing flow-down obligations, submittals, approvals, and deliverable commitments. Program Oversight & Project Health • Monitor the health, status, and performance within the program, including multi-site national deployments and long-duration programs with option years. • Review project schedules, budgets, and risk profiles to identify issues requiring intervention. • Ensure consistent application of project management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management (CCB-governed baseline) methodologies and standards. Cost, Schedule & Procurement Management • Oversee cost and schedule baselines, applying earned value and other performance measures to keep firm-fixed-price program within budget. • Guide management of Other Direct Costs, including procurement, vendor coordination, and supply-chain risk. • Ensure integrated master schedule is maintained and that critical-path risks to installation, testing, and site activation are identified and mitigated early. • Oversee contract deliverables required for the prime contractor to meet its obligations to the customer. Resource & Capacity Management • Allocate project management resources based on project priorities to identify capacity constraints. • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, installation, and operations and maintenance) to ensure adequate staffing and support for project delivery. Team Leadership & Development • Directly manage and supervise Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and career development discussions with direct reports. • Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance on project management best practices. • Identify training needs and support professional development of team members. • Foster a collaborative team environment and promote knowledge sharing across the organization. • Participate in hiring, onboarding, and resource planning. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Aviation, Business, or related field. • 15+ years of experience in program or project management, including large-scale, multi-site technical systems. • 5+ years of experience in a management or team leadership capacity, leading project managers or technical leads. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. • Demonstrated experience delivering firm-fixed-price programs of significant value (multi-million dollar) with multi-year periods of performance and option years. • Experience as a subcontractor program manager interfacing with a prime contractor and a Government end customer, including managing flow-down requirements and deliverables. • Strong understanding of systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management / controlled baselines (CCB) processes. • Experience with cost and schedule control, including integrated master scheduling. • Experience managing milestone-driven contracts, including risk and issue management under schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. • Experience with project management and work management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA), and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). • Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Position of Public Trust Clearance. • Must be able to comply with U.S. trade and export-control requirements (ITAR, EAR, OFAC, FTR). • Must be a U.S. citizen. Preferred Qualifications • MBA or Master's degree in engineering, management, or a related field. • Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. • Agile or Scrum certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe). • Direct experience on U.S. Government programs, including FAA or National Airspace System (NAS) programs. Working knowledge of ATC concepts, airfield/tower operations, and simulation/training environments. • Aviation certifications or background (e.g., FAA Control Tower Operator, Pilot License, or equivalent controller/aviation experience). • Experience managing hardware/software procurement and supply-chain logistics on large-value programs. • Active or recently held Public Trust or higher clearance. Travel Requirements Domestic and international travel may be required, including travel to customer and installation sites across a national footprint to support deployments, test events, site activations, and program reviews. Work Location Germantown, MD
Job DescriptionJob Description Program Manager - Simulator Deployment and Sustainment Job Description Position Summary The Program Manager is the senior frontline management position responsible for leading a team of Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a multi-year program delivering training simulators to a national footprint of US Government facilities. This role focuses on the overall program health and performance ensuring the firm-fixed price program is delivered on time, within budget, and to customer satisfaction. This program carries significant contract value, hardware and software procurement, configuration-managed baselines, and milestone deadlines with direct schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. While the Program Manager role primary focus is to lead a strategically important program, there is also emphasis on team leadership, portfolio oversight, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational objectives. The Program Manager serves as a key link between program execution and executive leadership, and as a senior point of contact for prime contractors, Government stakeholders, and end customers on a high-consequence program. Responsibilities Direct Program Management • Directly manage strategically important program with national multi-site rollouts under firm-fixed-price terms. • Provide hands-on program leadership during critical phases, installations, test events, or resource constraints. • Own scope, schedule, cost, and quality on assigned programs and manage milestone deadlines where slips carry contractual, financial, and liquidated-damages exposure. Customer & Stakeholder Management • Serves as the senior customer-facing point of contact; running program reviews, IPRs, and customer briefings • Manage customer expectations and satisfaction through installation and site activation. • Handle change requests, exceptions, and scope conversations with the prime and the Government. • Build long-term customer relationships that position follow-on work and option-year exercise. • Align project/program priorities with organizational strategy and objectives. • Communicate program status, risks, and strategic issues to executive leadership. • Serve as an escalation point for critical customer issues and program decisions. • Interface with prime contractors and Government stakeholders, managing flow-down obligations, submittals, approvals, and deliverable commitments. Program Oversight & Project Health • Monitor the health, status, and performance within the program, including multi-site national deployments and long-duration programs with option years. • Review project schedules, budgets, and risk profiles to identify issues requiring intervention. • Ensure consistent application of project management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management (CCB-governed baseline) methodologies and standards. Cost, Schedule & Procurement Management • Oversee cost and schedule baselines, applying earned value and other performance measures to keep firm-fixed-price program within budget. • Guide management of Other Direct Costs, including procurement, vendor coordination, and supply-chain risk. • Ensure integrated master schedule is maintained and that critical-path risks to installation, testing, and site activation are identified and mitigated early. • Oversee contract deliverables required for the prime contractor to meet its obligations to the customer. Resource & Capacity Management • Allocate project management resources based on project priorities to identify capacity constraints. • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, installation, and operations and maintenance) to ensure adequate staffing and support for project delivery. Team Leadership & Development • Directly manage and supervise Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and career development discussions with direct reports. • Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance on project management best practices. • Identify training needs and support professional development of team members. • Foster a collaborative team environment and promote knowledge sharing across the organization. • Participate in hiring, onboarding, and resource planning. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Aviation, Business, or related field. • 15+ years of experience in program or project management, including large-scale, multi-site technical systems. • 5+ years of experience in a management or team leadership capacity, leading project managers or technical leads. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. • Demonstrated experience delivering firm-fixed-price programs of significant value (multi-million dollar) with multi-year periods of performance and option years. • Experience as a subcontractor program manager interfacing with a prime contractor and a Government end customer, including managing flow-down requirements and deliverables. • Strong understanding of systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management / controlled baselines (CCB) processes. • Experience with cost and schedule control, including integrated master scheduling. • Experience managing milestone-driven contracts, including risk and issue management under schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. • Experience with project management and work management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA), and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). • Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Position of Public Trust Clearance. • Must be able to comply with U.S. trade and export-control requirements (ITAR, EAR, OFAC, FTR). • Must be a U.S. citizen. Preferred Qualifications • MBA or Master's degree in engineering, management, or a related field. • Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. • Agile or Scrum certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe). • Direct experience on U.S. Government programs, including FAA or National Airspace System (NAS) programs. Working knowledge of ATC concepts, airfield/tower operations, and simulation/training environments. • Aviation certifications or background (e.g., FAA Control Tower Operator, Pilot License, or equivalent controller/aviation experience). • Experience managing hardware/software procurement and supply-chain logistics on large-value programs. • Active or recently held Public Trust or higher clearance. Travel Requirements Domestic and international travel may be required, including travel to customer and installation sites across a national footprint to support deployments, test events, site activations, and program reviews. Work Location Germantown, MD
09/22/2026
Full time
Job DescriptionJob Description Program Manager - Simulator Deployment and Sustainment Job Description Position Summary The Program Manager is the senior frontline management position responsible for leading a team of Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a multi-year program delivering training simulators to a national footprint of US Government facilities. This role focuses on the overall program health and performance ensuring the firm-fixed price program is delivered on time, within budget, and to customer satisfaction. This program carries significant contract value, hardware and software procurement, configuration-managed baselines, and milestone deadlines with direct schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. While the Program Manager role primary focus is to lead a strategically important program, there is also emphasis on team leadership, portfolio oversight, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational objectives. The Program Manager serves as a key link between program execution and executive leadership, and as a senior point of contact for prime contractors, Government stakeholders, and end customers on a high-consequence program. Responsibilities Direct Program Management • Directly manage strategically important program with national multi-site rollouts under firm-fixed-price terms. • Provide hands-on program leadership during critical phases, installations, test events, or resource constraints. • Own scope, schedule, cost, and quality on assigned programs and manage milestone deadlines where slips carry contractual, financial, and liquidated-damages exposure. Customer & Stakeholder Management • Serves as the senior customer-facing point of contact; running program reviews, IPRs, and customer briefings • Manage customer expectations and satisfaction through installation and site activation. • Handle change requests, exceptions, and scope conversations with the prime and the Government. • Build long-term customer relationships that position follow-on work and option-year exercise. • Align project/program priorities with organizational strategy and objectives. • Communicate program status, risks, and strategic issues to executive leadership. • Serve as an escalation point for critical customer issues and program decisions. • Interface with prime contractors and Government stakeholders, managing flow-down obligations, submittals, approvals, and deliverable commitments. Program Oversight & Project Health • Monitor the health, status, and performance within the program, including multi-site national deployments and long-duration programs with option years. • Review project schedules, budgets, and risk profiles to identify issues requiring intervention. • Ensure consistent application of project management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management (CCB-governed baseline) methodologies and standards. Cost, Schedule & Procurement Management • Oversee cost and schedule baselines, applying earned value and other performance measures to keep firm-fixed-price program within budget. • Guide management of Other Direct Costs, including procurement, vendor coordination, and supply-chain risk. • Ensure integrated master schedule is maintained and that critical-path risks to installation, testing, and site activation are identified and mitigated early. • Oversee contract deliverables required for the prime contractor to meet its obligations to the customer. Resource & Capacity Management • Allocate project management resources based on project priorities to identify capacity constraints. • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (development, systems engineering, test and evaluation, installation, and operations and maintenance) to ensure adequate staffing and support for project delivery. Team Leadership & Development • Directly manage and supervise Deputy Program Managers, Product Support Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and career development discussions with direct reports. • Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance on project management best practices. • Identify training needs and support professional development of team members. • Foster a collaborative team environment and promote knowledge sharing across the organization. • Participate in hiring, onboarding, and resource planning. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Aviation, Business, or related field. • 15+ years of experience in program or project management, including large-scale, multi-site technical systems. • 5+ years of experience in a management or team leadership capacity, leading project managers or technical leads. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. • Demonstrated experience delivering firm-fixed-price programs of significant value (multi-million dollar) with multi-year periods of performance and option years. • Experience as a subcontractor program manager interfacing with a prime contractor and a Government end customer, including managing flow-down requirements and deliverables. • Strong understanding of systems engineering, test and evaluation, and configuration management / controlled baselines (CCB) processes. • Experience with cost and schedule control, including integrated master scheduling. • Experience managing milestone-driven contracts, including risk and issue management under schedule, financial, and liquidated-damages accountability. • Experience with project management and work management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA), and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio). • Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Position of Public Trust Clearance. • Must be able to comply with U.S. trade and export-control requirements (ITAR, EAR, OFAC, FTR). • Must be a U.S. citizen. Preferred Qualifications • MBA or Master's degree in engineering, management, or a related field. • Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. • Agile or Scrum certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe). • Direct experience on U.S. Government programs, including FAA or National Airspace System (NAS) programs. Working knowledge of ATC concepts, airfield/tower operations, and simulation/training environments. • Aviation certifications or background (e.g., FAA Control Tower Operator, Pilot License, or equivalent controller/aviation experience). • Experience managing hardware/software procurement and supply-chain logistics on large-value programs. • Active or recently held Public Trust or higher clearance. Travel Requirements Domestic and international travel may be required, including travel to customer and installation sites across a national footprint to support deployments, test events, site activations, and program reviews. Work Location Germantown, MD
Job Description Job Description 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 You will play a pivotal role in driving the overall development and integration of our satellite bus for mission success. You will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting as a deputy program manager internally and with customers. You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time. You will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch. In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines. If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering world class satellite solutions, we want you on our team. Responsibilities Program Leadership: Develop and manage engineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation, and mission success Strategic Development: Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders Program Execution: Drive engineering and flight readiness activities to meet mission and contract commitments Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical changes, and mitigate risks Systems Development: Establish and improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth Design Reliability: Support internal design reviews and development ensuring adherence to requirements and high reliability Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 3+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Nice to Have Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline 10+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 5+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance Experience leading Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, test, and/or launch across multiple departments Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions Familiarity with contracts and mission requirements evaluations Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes Ability to travel up to 25% of the time Compensation and Benefits Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + 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 22 C.F.R. 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.
09/20/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 You will play a pivotal role in driving the overall development and integration of our satellite bus for mission success. You will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting as a deputy program manager internally and with customers. You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time. You will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch. In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines. If you are a self-starter with a passion for innovation in space systems, a drive to solve previously unsolved problems, and a commitment to delivering world class satellite solutions, we want you on our team. Responsibilities Program Leadership: Develop and manage engineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation, and mission success Strategic Development: Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders Program Execution: Drive engineering and flight readiness activities to meet mission and contract commitments Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical changes, and mitigate risks Systems Development: Establish and improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth Design Reliability: Support internal design reviews and development ensuring adherence to requirements and high reliability Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline 6+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 3+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Nice to Have Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline 10+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing 5+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance Experience leading Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, test, and/or launch across multiple departments Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions Familiarity with contracts and mission requirements evaluations Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes Ability to travel up to 25% of the time Compensation and Benefits Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + 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 22 C.F.R. 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.