Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

The Role

K2’s plan doesn't stop at satellite buses. Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform – the payloads are the mission.

As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will be working alongside the Optical team to interface with ambitious optical payloads, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities

Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing

Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms

Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs

Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level

Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle

Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds

Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules

Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience

2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting

Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, or Rust)

Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have

Experience with design and testing of optical systems

Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (ex. beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks.

Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment

Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing

Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments

Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team

Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + 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