Principal Mission Payload Engineer
K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA
Posted 19 days ago · $175,000 - $230,000
or apply directly on K2 Space 's site. We never take the application ourselves.
Is this posting real?
- This role has been open
- 19 days K2 Space 's roles stay open a median of 45 days
- Reposted
- No
- Salary listed
- Yes 78% of K2 Space 's roles list one
- Ghost-job risk at K2 Space
- low 0 stale, 0 reposted of 220 open
- Hiring momentum
- 244 roles opened in the last 90 days ↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
- Last confirmed on the employer's board
- 2026-09-17
Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from K2 Space 's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for K2 Space .
About this role
As a Principal Mission Payload Engineer at K2, you will be the primary technical interface for integrating advanced payload capabilities onto satellite platforms. Your role involves managing the payload integration throughout the satellite lifecycle, from proposal to on-orbit operations, while collaborating with various engineering disciplines and representing K2 in customer engagements and design reviews.
- benefits
- 1/5
- freshness
- 4/5
- career value
- 4/5
- role clarity
- 4/5
- pay transparency
- 5/5
Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of K2 Space as an employer.
What you need
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience in the aerospace or space industry
- 2+ years of technical project management and/or systems engineering experience
- Hands-on experience with developing, integrating and testing launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
- Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and power interfaces for satellite payloads
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience working directly with National Security customers
- 10+ years of experience in the aerospace or space industry
- Hands-on spacecraft or aerospace integration and test experience, including environmental testing, verification and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and deliver results across multiple parallel priorities
What you get
- Base salary range of $175,000 - $230,000 + equity
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks
Worth weighing
- No specific mention of company culture or team dynamics
- Active security clearance preferred, which may limit candidate pool
- The role involves high-pressure situations and managing multiple priorities
- Salary is based on various factors, which may lead to variability in compensation
Summarised from K2 Space 's posting. Read the full original.
Listed by K2 Space on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.
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